Bravo for the Montpellier tram system.
Facing up to climate change.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Joan
7/8/20233 min read
When we first came to live in this area over twenty years ago the city of Montpellier was served by one tram line, which had been opened in the year 2,000. To avoid driving in the city centre we would park at a dedicated terminal on the outskirts, and for a small fee to cover parking and two way tram ride for all passengers we would take the blue tram (now Line One) to the city centre. It was efficient and easy to use.
Montpellier is a beautiful city. The old quarter is fascinating to explore with its winding alleyways and old buildings. In this pictures you can see the pedestrianised area of Place de la Comedie which is dominated by fine Hausmanien buildings. At the far end you will see the Opera House , which was modeled on the Paris Opera, while restaurants line the thoroughfare.
Cars are not permitted in the centre of Montpellier, but Line One passes by here, before being directed through a tunnel under the main concourse, and emerging alongside Le Corum, the magnificent modern concert hall.
In the intervening years Montpellier has continued to grow. Whichever way you travel enormous residential blocks of flats have been constructed. Even near the city centre new apartment blocks have been 'shoe horned' into existing spaces. The population of Montpellier has grown exponentially. It has a high proportion of young people, many of whom attend the University here. In order to cope with increasing numbers three more tram lines have been added, each with their own distinctive livery.
But what does it cost?
For many years the cost for a one way ticket to whatever destination has stood at one Euro. A park and ride ticket was even better value at 4 Euro for as many passengers as the car held. Today the standard fare is still one Euro if you buy a 'carnet' of ten tickets, while a whole family can travel for 6.50 Euro throughout the day, and a single person for 4.30 Euro. That is cheaper than one single short bus ride in the city of Swansea(see my previous blog) Bravo Monpellier! This is joined up thinking, as it keeps people moving and frees up roads. What's more it brings people into the commercial centres, so shops , restaurants and entertainment venues prosper.
But that is not all!
If one is a resident of Montpellier ,fares are currently free for under eighteen year olds and over sixty fives. What's more it is free for everyone at weekends. And there is more....
Fares will be free for all residents from December 21st 2023
Now doesn't that make great sense? Bravo Montpellier!
