Lyon’s Perrache TCL Bus Station Undergoes Major Renovation for Enhanced User Experience
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France – The Perrache TCL bus station in Lyon is set to undergo a comprehensive renovation, with the project expected to be completed by spring 2027. This initiative, part of the larger “Ouvrons Perrache” project, aims to transform the station into a more spacious, accessible, and practical hub for the nearly 57,000 daily commuters who utilize its 13 bus lines.
The current configuration of the Perrache bus station has long been criticized for hindering user orientation and the fluidity of movement. The relocation of the international bus station to Gerland has freed up crucial space, allowing for a focused redevelopment on the TCL network.
Modern Design and Improved Accessibility
The renovation will introduce a modern design, featuring two distinct half-stations: one on the Rhône side with seven platforms and another on the Saône side with twelve platforms. These new spaces will be designed as “small public squares,” offering improved waiting areas and clearer visibility of bus stop locations. The project also includes the creation of a future pedestrian esplanade, which will gradually alter bus routes.
To facilitate user navigation, innovative information systems will be implemented. These include a suspended screen and dedicated signage that will clearly indicate the platform for each bus line. Users will be guided by a color-coded system, with a corresponding letter and color on the ground, further enhanced by a mirror ceiling that reflects the floor’s color, creating a brighter and more aesthetically pleasing environment. These improvements are expected to foster a calmer and more attractive atmosphere within the station.
Phased Construction to Minimize Disruption
The renovation work will be carried out in a phased approach, ensuring the continuous operation of the bus station and minimizing disruption for users. The construction schedule is as follows:
- Phase One (Saône side): January to end of April 2026. During this period, all buses will be accessible on the Rhône side.
- Phase Two (Rhône side): Early May 2026 to early 2027. This phase will commence once the first Saône half-station is completed.
A comprehensive communication and information campaign is being deployed by the Métropole and SYTRAL Mobilités to assist users in adapting to the new arrangements. This includes newsletters, information panels, dedicated signage, and on-site mediators during the initial days of each phase.
The “Ouvrons Perrache” Project: A Wider Vision
The renovation of the TCL bus station is a key component of the ambitious “Ouvrons Perrache” project, which seeks to reinforce the strategic role of the Lyon Perrache Exchange Center (CELP). Situated at the heart of the Presqu’île, opposite the Lyon-Perrache train station, CELP is a multimodal hub that integrates tram, metro, metropolitan bus services, and parking facilities.
The broader “Ouvrons Perrache” initiative aims to open up the CELP building to the city by creating an “urban window” and developing new uses and activities, further integrating this emblematic site into the urban fabric of Lyon and its metropolitan area.
More information about the “Ouvrons Perrache” project can be found on grandlyon.com/lyon-ouvronsperrache.
Source: https://www.lyon.fr/actualite/mobilites/renovation-de-la-gare-de-bus-tcl-de-perrache
