Developing proximity services at major passenger transport hubs

Summary

The provision of proximity services creates added value for passengers and increases the attractiveness of public transport.

Implementing sustainable mobility

During the construction of the second metro line in Toulouse, special attention was given to the development of proximity services at intermodal nodes. As the future centre of the metro network (where the two metro lines connect), the Jean Jaures station was the focus of the demonstration, observation and analysis. Prior to measure implementation, the Jean Jaures station had offered very few services in the station area. The aim was therefore to develop local services in order to create added value for passengers and to improve the attractiveness of public transport.

Progress

A preliminary study was carried out in 2005 on the development of the metro station and the opening of the new shopping area. The second metro line opened in July 2007 and the shopping area was completed in 2008.

A specialist marketing agency was recruited to help the public transport authority to define and implement the services/shopping area, to develop the innovative marketing concept and to manage relations with shopkeepers.

There was a delay of four months in the construction of the metro line, which also led to a delay in the opening of some shops as owners preferred to wait until the station was able to generate enough passengers and possible customers.

Outcomes

The newly built services/shopping area was well received by users of the Jean Jaurès station, although it became clear that some of the services/shops were not well adapted to this context.

The development of other services/shopping areas in other intermodal hubs began on the basis of is success.