The South region has opened its regional trains to competition, with enhanced services and modernized infrastructure. The result: more trains, better punctuality, and increased patronage.
On December 15, the region of South-Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur reached an important milestone. It became the first in France to open its regional trains to competition. This change marks a turning point for users of the Azurean rail network.
Since that date, the Cannes-Nice-Menton line has been operated by Sud Azur, a new railway operator. The goal is clear: to provide a service adapted to the needs of travelers. Now, a train runs every 15 minutes during the day, from 5:45 AM to 10 PM. Additionally, extra trains run on Saturday nights to Sunday until 2 AM.
To ensure a more efficient service, the region has invested in modern infrastructure. A fully renovated maintenance center was inaugurated in Nice Saint-Roch. It includes a 5,500 m² maintenance workshop and a supervision center. The latter ensures better line coordination and increased responsiveness in case of unforeseen events.
The modernization also extends to the rolling stock. Twenty-two trainsets have been refurbished for a total of 164 million euros, entirely financed by the region. These trains offer enhanced comfort and are equipped with the latest technologies.
Improved service and increased patronage
Opening to competition comes with a strong commitment to quality of service. A personalized support system has been implemented. Passenger information has also been improved for smoother communication.
The initial results are encouraging. Train patronage has increased by 10% and the punctuality rate has reached 97%, excluding external incidents. “It is here in the South region that the first train opened to competition is running. Promise kept: a higher quality transport service, more punctual and better suited to the needs of users,” stated Renaud Muselier, president of the region.
This commitment to more efficient regional transport does not stop there. With a total investment of 1.5 billion euros, the region is betting on sustainable and efficient mobility. This model could inspire other territories in France.