The report from the Mobility Commission 21 on transportation infrastructure projects, appointed by the government in October 2012, has just submitted its proposals to the government. In this report, Nice, the 5th largest city in France, would see the implementation of a new line at best between 2030 and 2050.
This is all the more shocking given that the Côte d’Azur is the second largest TER network in France after Île-de-France.
In response, the prompt stance of the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, was quickly joined by that of the President of the General Council, Eric Ciotti. On the other hand, no reaction came from Patrick Allemand, who had also supported the Nice project at the Regional Council of PACA where he is the First Vice-President.
The “other priorities” to be completed before the 2030 deadline, within the framework of an investment program of 8 to 10 billion euros nationwide, concern the underground railway crossing of Marseille Saint-Charles and the Huveaune valley for an amount of 2.5 billion euros.
Christian Estrosi, Deputy Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, responded strongly to this information:
“We had already made significant efforts to agree on a project. After successfully obtaining consensus on the project with the region’s elected officials, beyond political divides, I regretfully note that the State chooses to shatter regional cohesion.
It is now up to the State to take responsibility. I have already requested a meeting with the Minister of Transport. It is not normal for the people of the Côte d’Azur to be left out again regarding railway services within the region.
If the government confirms the position of the Mobility 21 commission, then, following up on the studies I obtained in 2011 that are ongoing, I will commit to having Nice and the Metropolis turn towards Italy to build the future of the territory and its development.”
