With the help and expertise of Jean Luc PINSON from the Development and Communication Department at CEFAC (Centre for Studies and Training for Technical Trade Assistants), the CCI has identified the various problems faced by merchants. The arrival of the tramway, which was supposed to improve the quality of life and make the avenues more attractive, did not bring about significant changes. According to the merchants on Avenue de la Rรฉpublique, the tramway line 1 has certainly resulted in a lot of foot traffic, but mainly inside the tram itself. People do not take the time to stop and shop.
To address this, the CCI has implemented an action plan. Ten concrete key measures have been defined. Among the most important measures, we note an adjustment of ticket pricing allowing users to get off and back on with a single ticket for half a day, as well as free rides on the first Sunday of the sales period.
### Attracting Customers
According to the program proposed by the CCI, to attract as many customers as possible into the shops lining the tramway line, the trams will need to be equipped with an information system on commercial offers along the route and nearby. To make the neighborhoods attractive, even in the evening, a lighting plan would be necessary to enhance nighttime luminosity. Therefore, it is clear that changes regarding parking capacities and the parking plan for both deliveries and quick stops need to be made very quickly.
These are concrete steps that the CCI is trying to present to prompt a quick reaction from the municipality and all local authorities. An action directly in favor of the merchants who have, for many years, suffered the negative effects of the tramway’s construction and a significant drop in their turnover.