The public inquiry commission has issued a favorable opinion, without reservation, on the project for the tramway line 5. The publication of the report by the Prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes now offers prospects for progress in the dossier.
The Prefecture of Alpes-Maritimes has made public the report and conclusions of the public inquiry commission concerning the creation of tramway line 5. The opinion is favorable, without reservation, and comes with several recommendations. This decision follows a regulatory procedure conducted in the fall of 2025.
From November 3 to December 12, 2025, the project was subject to a public inquiry prior to the declaration of public utility and the adaptation of urban planning documents. This phase allowed residents and users to learn about the project, express their opinions, and make suggestions.
Organized by the State services, the public inquiry was conducted by an independent commission appointed by the administrative court. The commission ensured the procedure was followed, accessible information was disseminated, and the contributions collected were reviewed before giving its opinion.
**A New Line for the Paillon Valley**
The tramway line 5 will serve the lower Paillon Valley. The route will connect the Palais des Expositions to Drap, passing through Ariane and La Trinité, with a projected travel time of 25 minutes. The project includes 15 stations, spaced approximately 500 meters apart, to strengthen public transport service in this area.
The development is accompanied by a requalification of more than 290,000 m² of public spaces. A re-naturalization operation is also planned, with nearly 2,000 trees planted or preserved along the route and four kilometers of vegetated tramway platform. Ultimately, the commissioning of line 5 is expected to avoid 2,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.
Included in the urban transport network master plan for 2040, the project was confirmed by the metropolitan council on July 23, 2020. The stated goals are based on three axes: environmental, climatic, and economic. The approach aims to requalify public space, reduce the role of automobiles, and develop soft modes of transport.
The route will extend for approximately 7.5 kilometers. The positioning of the stations remains indicative and may evolve during definition studies. The projected timeline anticipates a phased commissioning between 2028 and 2031, from Pont-Michel to Drap.
