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Improving Public Transport on the Lake: Geneva's Strategies Explained

Geneva, a city in Switzerland, struggles with frequent traffic jams and heavy congestion on its roads. To alleviate this issue, officials aim to develop an alternative transport system on Lake Geneva.

Increasing Public Transportation via Lake Geneva: Insights into the Approach
Increasing Public Transportation via Lake Geneva: Insights into the Approach

Improving Public Transport on the Lake: Geneva's Strategies Explained

The Department of Health and Mobility (DSM) in Geneva has revealed a new plan to better utilise Lac Léman as a transportation hub. This initiative aims to diversify transportation modes, reduce road traffic pressure, and make the lake a competitive commuting route.

According to studies conducted by the cantonal transport office (OCT), Lac Léman can be a key transportation hub with the right improvements. The OCT's research suggests that the lake can offer fast, regular, and well-connected routes to the land network.

Currently, the 'mouettes genevoises' boats operate four lines primarily for leisure activities, carrying approximately one million passengers per year. However, these boat lines are poorly integrated into the public transport (TPG) network, limiting their role as a transportation alternative.

The DSM envisions increasing the frequency of the boat lines, integrating the TPG fares, and allowing bicycles on board to make this mode of transport appealing to both tourists and Geneva commuters.

The plan includes better integration of cable ferries on Lac Léman through improved scheduling, enhanced connections with public transport, and the development of innovative, eco-friendly ferry technologies to make them more attractive and efficient.

Direct cross-lake connections, specifically a future link between Cologny and the center via Les Pâquis or Les Nations, are also under consideration. One such priority route is the new "blue route" between Corsier and Bellevue, bypassing the city center.

The congestion of the Mont-Blanc Bridge during rush hour is a problem that the plan aims to address. The DSM is also considering direct cross-lake connections to alleviate traffic pressure and improve transportation efficiency.

This new route is part of a three-year pilot project and could be integrated into the cantonal perimeter and the Unireso (TPG) fare system if successful. The plan offers innovative and attractive solutions for transportation, contributing to the reduction of road traffic and the promotion of sustainable travel options.

Nearly 9 million passengers are transported by the TPG between the shores of the lake via the Mont-Blanc Bridge each year. With the implementation of these improvements, it is expected that the number of passengers using Lac Léman as a commuting route will significantly increase.

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