Tramway and Buses with a High Level of Service (BHLS)

Sébastien RABUEL 26-02-2010

As travel practices and attitudes change, public transport must also adapt on an ongoing basis, with innovative developments in both technological and organisational terms. In the 1980s, the French government took steps to reintroduce tramways into French cities (Nantes in 1985, Grenoble in 1987 and Rouen and Strasbourg in 1994), involving a number of urban redevelopment projects. The “air quality” act passed in 1996 used urban travel plans (PDU) to rethink urban mobility, resulting in numerous tramway projects.

Gradually, questions began to be asked about the relevance of tramways for medium-sized conurbations, particularly in terms of the cost/demand ratio. The idea of “intermediate systems”, halfway between a bus network and a tramway began to be mooted, driven by a groundswell of technological innovation: the TVR (GLT) by Bombardier, the Civis by Irisbus, the Translohr by Lohr, the Phileas by APTS and so on.Whilst these new systems have not always lived up to their promises, researchers and operators are now turning to America and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. Based on local experiences, this approach resulted in 2005 in the french concept of Buses with a High Level of Service (BHLS), which places the bus at the heart of a real transport “system” and restores its positive image. The increasing influence of the BHLS since 2006 and the return of the role of central government in funding for public transport have driven the move towards public transport systems that use dedicated lanes (TCSP). The enthusiasm for public transport places the question of the choice of system back at the heart of a complex and delicate debate involving technical experts, elected representatives and citizens.