How Bordeaux's thriving public transport system could become a victim of its own success
In an effort to curb carbon dioxide emissions, the French government recently backed the extension of regional express transport networks or RERs in the country's major conurbations. New rail and bus routes have already been created around the major south-western city of Bordeaux and they have attracted many new passengers. But as Manuel Magrez reports, some of the city's new transport routes are now so popular and overcrowded they will soon require even more resources.
“I“I couldn't take the RER any more, that's why I left Paris,” explains Virginie, referring to the Réseau Express Régional (RER) or regional express network rapid transit system which serves the French capital and its suburbs. However, her relief at leaving behind the issues that beset Paris's RER might be short-lived. Without knowing it, as she boards a train on the Arcachon to Libourne line in south-west France to go to work as a tour guide, she is getting onto yet another urban RER network.
