The project

Light rail for Greater Brest

A new public transportation network

Building the first light rail line in Brest Métropole Océane provides the opportunity to create a new high-performance public transportation network, to rethink the city, enhance its attractiveness and free up public spaces. The East-West line will provide service to the main residential and business sectors of the town. It should be used by 49,500 travelers daily. That means that 27% of the population of greater BMO and 38% of workplaces will enjoy direct service at less than 450 meters from the proposed alignment. The existing bus network will be restructured and improved, with the objective of increasing the ridership by 27%.

A sustainable development project

A social project 

Linking the neighborhoods of Brest métropole océane
The Tramway project creates a link between the metropolitan area's development projects: indeed, the East-West running line will provide service to the major developments planned for the greater BMO area, like the Plateau des Capucins on Brest's right bank, the G3S covered sports arena, the Saint-Louis square shopping center, amenities at Le Froutven, and so on. The coming of the light rail system will catalyze revitalization in several quarters: Saint-Martin, Recouvrance, etc. It will also be a spectacular way to open up the Pontanézen neighborhood to the rest of the city.

A means of transportation based on solidarity
The light rail line is the opportunity to create a public transport network for everyone: accessible with no step up or down, the low-floor trams are level with the platforms. Access ramps, wide corridors and well-laid out surroundings of the stations make access easier for people with restricted mobility, like pregnant women, the elderly, people with strollers, wheelchairs, and people who are hearing- or visually impaired. Bicycles will be accepted in the tramway outside of peak traffic times, depending on the number of passengers in the network. Existing bus lines will run more often, enabling everyone to take advantage of the bus + Tram network.

An environmental project

Better regulated car traffic
The Tram light rail is a modern means of transportation that offers an alternative to taking your car:  since it has right of way at all intersections and runs in a separate right-of-way (see definitions in the LexiTram lexicon), light rail is more faster and more efficient than driving (punctuality, no parking hassles, less expense). The electrically-powered Tramway does not produce any greenhouse gases, thus helping protect the environment by reducing urban pollution.

An improved life setting
As well as its beneficial effect on air quality, a light rail system can also improve our living environment. Its implementation creates an opportunity to embellish the city with high-quality developments and facilities, creating pedestrian areas and bike lanes, changing the status of some public spaces and roads, creating works of art, etc.

An economic project

The economic effects of the Tramway
Brest métropole océane and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry jointly created a socio-economic Observatory for the Tramway in order to study how the economic situation will evolve along the proposed alignment.
The Tramway is a factor that can make local shops and businesses more dynamic, as well as contributing to the overall development of the Brest's conurbation. Indeed, all the assessments carried out in cities which have chosen a light rail system show that commercial activity downtown experiences a sharp rise in the number of shoppers (reaching 30% in cities like Montpellier and Strasbourg). There are more pedestrians, the city becomes more attractive, new shops set up, and so on.
Throughout the duration of the project, the information produced by the observatory can be found at this url: http://www.adeupa-brest.com/observatoire-socio-economique-du.php.

Support for retailers during construction work

The Conciliatory compensation committee:
A Committee to determine conciliatory compensation for economic loss or harm was set up.
Set up in partnership between Brest métropole océane, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brest and the CMAF maritime family providence fund, the committee particularly aims to compensate unusual loss of profitability related to the light rail construction work.
A soft loan:
Brest métropole océane, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Finistère Chamber of trades and crafts, OSEO and partner banks set up a system to support enterprises, shops and stores and trades people encountering cash flow problems linked to the light rail work. This arrangement takes the shape of interest relief, i.e., a no-interest loan for the beneficiary.
The Single application:
Are you having cash flow difficulties related to the impact of the Tramway's construction? 
Would you like to obtain payment facilities and extension of due dates for your tax and/or social contributions?
To make these steps simpler, the CCI, working in collaboration with the RSI, SIE/treasuries, the Pôle emploi and Urssaf authorities have drawn up a single application file. If you are a shopkeeper, tradesperson or craftsman or a company experiencing difficulties in paying your tax and or social contributions, you may apply for an extension using the Single Application file.

Construction work with significant effects for the economy
Building and operating a light rail system is a true asset for economic development and employment in the area. The construction site and operation site for the Tramway will create strong demand for small and medium-sized companies in our region. Forecast estimates for the Brest worksite indicate that it should generate from 150 M€ to 180 M€ in local activity.
In Orleans, 160 enterprises were mobilized and 400 jobs were created each year for the civil engineering work related to the light rail line.  85 permanent jobs were created for its operation.