Synopsis
Born out of the Loire and the nearby Atlantic, the Nantes Conurbation (555,000 inhabitants) covers 520 sq km and has 150 km of rivers. In collaboration with the Saint-Nazaire Conurbation and the Guerande Peninsula, the Urban Community of Nantes (UCN) operates as a metropolitan area of 770,000 inhabitants. To keep pace with population growth, UCN has been implementing an active transport, urban development and environmental policy over the last ten years. The UCN plans to continue its programme of improved transport for its citizens, which aims to produce a balance between cars (50%) and other forms of transport (public transport 18%, other 32%). The community has become involved in a general transport management programme in association with all the stakeholders. A "Park-and-Ride" scheme is being developed, and a strategic parking study is being carried out.
A transport strategy plan for the urban area (including a development plan for public transport) has just been adopted. The promotion of bicycle use has been taken into account with a development plan for urban cycle routes and routes for cycle excursions. A Transport Plan for the 2,000 employees of the Community and for large businesses and administrative bodies is in process.
One example of the various alternatives to car travel that exist in Nantes is the river ferry service that, since April 1997, has provided a 2-minute crossing of the River Erdre between Port Boyer and Petit Port (enabling access to the university campus and the tram line). The ferry, known as "La Mouette" ("The seagull"), has been an electric catamaran since September 1998. It has room for 16 passengers and 4 bicycles, and is accessible from a floating landing stage. All local public transport passes are valid on the ferry, or a single crossing ticket is available at 0.5 €. It is free of charge for children under 4. The service is available all the year round in all weathers, between 7.30 am and 6.30 pm on week days, and from 10.00 am to 12.00 am and from 2 pm to 6 pm at the weekends and on national holidays. Many students use it, as well as other people during the weekends.
Target groups: all citizens
Fields: intermodality - public transport
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