Just this once, our gaze turns towards Holland and, more precisely, towards Amsterdam. There, the tramway is utilized to its fullest potential. In addition to the “public transport” functionality, it has a new asset – that of “cargo”! It might seem surprising, but its new role is to transport goods in the city center. The “city cargo” project has just been launched.
A long-term operation aimed solely at reducing, even halting, the progress of heavy trucks in the city center. As a result, trucks must offload their goods onto a platform designed for this purpose at the city’s entrance. The packages are then placed on a special tram car exclusively chartered for this task. A few minutes later, the cargo is found downtown.
Once the tram car is unloaded, electric vans take over to deliver the goods to various stores. They thus bring the goods from the tram to the doorsteps of these stores. This way, heavy traffic is eliminated, and pollution inside the city is reduced.
Why not adopt this project in Nice?
A project that demands reflection but could fit into the current policies of the city council, continuing to see the city center free from any cars, any pollution. Nice could, through the CANCA or the General Council, draw inspiration from this original idea.
It already has various assets that would enable the implementation of such a project. It includes a car park located at the city’s entrance, just off the A8 highway: le rouret. Apart from a few adjustments needed to accommodate heavy trucks, it is already connected to the tramway, which would facilitate the realization of this “city cargo” concept. Moreover, the successful operation of Line 1 in such a short period proves that the city is flexible in terms of development.
This distribution choice would allow Avenue Jean Médecin and Avenue de la République to shine again by the absence of all cars, trucks, and other means of transport. At the same time, it would end the cars that park to deliver their goods along the tram line.
If they materialize, the future tram lines should thus serve the city up to the airport. Just imagine if the M.I.N (National Interest Market) could use such a means of transport in the future. We’re talking about hundreds of trucks per day…
Rail freight has been around for a few years already, so why not do like our Dutch compatriots and implement it on our tramway?
The idea is launched, ecology is in fashion, so why not try it. Between environmental consideration and the tranquility of city centers, let’s not deprive ourselves of killing two birds with one stone.
