Tag: transports publics

  • New underground station in Geneva – the biggest rail project of the 21st century

    New underground station in Geneva – the biggest rail project of the 21st century

    The definitive design for Geneva’s underground station has recently been finalised. After lengthy consultations, the partners involved – the Federal Office of Transport (FOT), the Canton of Geneva, the City of Geneva and SBB – have agreed on the final details that will significantly increase capacity. The new station will include not only two additional subways for passengers, but also a two-track tunnel to the airport, a clear improvement on the initial project.

    Geneva-Cornavin station, Switzerland’s third-largest railway station, plays a crucial role in daily commuter traffic, both within the country and internationally. Every day, 156,000 passengers use the station. The new underground section, which is part of the “Léman 2030” programme, will considerably improve the efficiency of transport in the Lake Geneva basin and the Geneva conurbation. The plan is to run at least three additional long-distance trains per hour and per direction, and to increase the frequency of service on the La Plaine – Geneva line to a quarter-hourly frequency.

    In addition to the new transit zones, which will facilitate transit through the station and simplify access to the platforms, further studies have been carried out at the request of the sponsors. These studies have led to solutions that will increase the capacity of the existing station once the underground station is in service. A new central subway and an eastern subway along Rue des Alpes will be created. Planning for the modernisation of the existing surface platform, however, will remain a separate project at a later date.

    The costs and timetable for the new underground station are still being finalised and are expected to be announced sometime in 2024, with the public tender likely to be launched in late 2027. Work on the underground station is estimated to take around nine years, with a budget of around CHF 1.9 billion, financed by the Swiss Confederation, the Canton of Geneva and the City of Geneva. Entry into service is scheduled for 2038.

    The partners are delighted with the progress of the planning and recognise the progress made in their cooperation. At the same time, they are aware of the many challenges that still need to be overcome to ensure the success of the project. A detailed presentation of the project is planned for the second half of 2024 to provide a detailed overview of progress and tasks ahead.

  • Grands Esserts project in Veyrier

    Grands Esserts project in Veyrier

    At the heart of the project is the Jean-Piaget esplanade which, together with the Promenade des Cirses, characterises the green and open spaces of the site. This well thought-out layout underlines the value of high environmental standards and serves the city’s strategy to combat climate change. The planning takes strict account of the principles of ecological sustainability in order to create a living space that benefits both residents and the environment.

    Participatory approach to planning
    Extensive consultation with local and cantonal stakeholders, as well as future users, helps to lay the foundations for the urban development, mobility and environmental design of the new district. These collaborative planning processes ensure that all stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process and contribute to the acceptance of the project.

    Promoting soft mobility and optimum accessibility
    Promoting soft mobility is at the heart of the transport planning for Les Grands Esserts. A network of attractive cycle paths and footpaths links the new district to key points such as Geneva city centre, Carouge and Veyrier. This infrastructure is complemented by an improved connection to the public transport network, in particular the Léman Express, which facilitates car-free mobility within the area.

    Preserving and enhancing the natural environment
    Particular attention is being paid to preserving and enhancing natural resources such as the forest edge and the landscaping of the Promenade des Cirses. These measures not only help to preserve biodiversity, but also provide residents with high-quality recreational areas.

    The Grands Esserts project is setting new standards in residential and commercial development by fully integrating ecological principles and creating an inclusive and sustainable community. With completion of the first phase of construction by 2030, Grands Esserts will become a model of urban living in harmony with the environment.