MJC-31A Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 Just back from a weeks break to the Loire Valley area. Stayed in a small town, Clisson, just to the South of Nantes. The line from there into Nantes is being upgraded to allow for the use of Tram Trains, it is currently operated by standard TER units. The upgrade is due to finish by the end of this year so currently an interim timetable and mixture of units. Clisson is on the main line down to La Rochelle and whilst I was there noticed that the local units remained on the through lines between trips but I believe that the an old platform is being brought back into use off the through lines. This will also allow an upgraded frequency I think. You may just see in the photos that the platform has been lowered to allow level access to the trams at their stopping point. The TER units stopped further along at the standard height platform. I took a trip into Nantes, one way with the Tram Train & return on a standard TER. At Nantes there was again the lower platform at the far end so a long trek along the platform to the exit. Nantes has a couple of standard tram lines (photos attached) & busways. I think that there is also work to convert a line to the North to Tram Train, not sure if these two sections will eventually become linked. As an extra I have also added a photo of the piano on the concourse at Nantes for passengers to play whilst waiting, there are some good players about. The journey was very smooth in both types and the units were well patronised. I also include a photo of the track layout at Clisson which was attached to the main station building, the perspex covering has made the photo a bit out of focus. Tram Train arriving after turnround across through tracks Tram train at lower platform area Tram Train awaiting departure TER unit awaiting cross over prior to return to Nantes Nice wide entrance to TER unit Track layout at Clisson station Dedicated tram lines in centre of Nantes 2 types of Tram unit in Nantes Intercity stock in Nantes A waiting passenger shows his skills at the piano Martin Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Focalplane Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 Interesting mix! My experience with tram lines in Lyon and Montpellier is that they are entirely separate from SNCF. In Montpellier the trams are definitely less comfortable on tram lines, mainly due to the tight radii. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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