Rhône Express

Rhône Express
Name	Rhône Express
Type	Airport rail link
Locale	Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
System	Rhône Express
Status	Operational
Start	Lyon Part-Dieu
End	Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport
Opened	2010
Owner	Syndicat Mixte des Transports pour le Rhône et l'Agglomération Lyonnaise
Operator	Keolis, SNCF (infrastructure use)
Stock	Stadler FLIRT (ordered), Alstom Coradia, Stadler Regio
Line length	23 km
Gauge	1,435 mm
Electrification	25 kV AC
Speed	160 km/h

Rhône Express Rhône Express is an airport rail link connecting Lyon Part-Dieu railway station with Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The service provides frequent, dedicated connections tailored to passengers transferring between high-speed rail services such as TGV and air services at the airport, linking major nodes like Lyon Part-Dieu, Lyon Perrache, and regional transport hubs. It operates on infrastructure shared with national and regional operators including SNCF, with rolling stock procured from European manufacturers such as Stadler Rail and Alstom.

Overview

Rhône Express functions as a direct express link between central Lyon and Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport, integrating with networks like TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Rhônexpress SA (consortium), and local transport authorities including Métropole de Lyon. The line runs alongside sections of the Ligne à grande vitesse Lyon–Turin corridor approach and interfaces with nodes such as Vaulx-en-Velin–La Soie and interchange points used by Tramway de Lyon and Lyon Metro lines. It was established to facilitate intermodality between TGV services at Lyon Part-Dieu, air carriers serving Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport, and shuttle operations linking to regional destinations like Grenoble and Geneva.

History and Development

Proposals for an airport rail connection date to studies by Région Rhône-Alpes and planning bodies like Syndicat Mixte des Transports pour le Rhône et l'Agglomération Lyonnaise during the late 20th century, influenced by precedents such as Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV and Heathrow Express. The public-private partnership model involved companies including Véolia Transport (now part of Keolis), Egis, and private financiers. Construction accelerated in the 2000s after agreements with SNCF Réseau and municipal endorsements from Lyon City Council. The line opened in 2010, after coordination with projects like the Rhône–Alpes regional plan and infrastructure works connected to Lyon-Saint-Exupéry TGV station.

Route and Operations

The route uses existing corridors adjacent to the LGV Rhône-Alpes approaches and dedicated tracks where possible, running approximately 23 km between Lyon Part-Dieu and Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport. Key interchanges include Lyon Part-Dieu, Vaulx-en-Velin–La Soie, and the airport complex with the Lyon-Saint-Exupéry TGV station. Operations are scheduled to align with high-frequency services, coordinating timetables with TGV inOui and OUIGO services and regional fleets like TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The service is managed under concession terms with fare integration points at stations served by Rhônexpress SA partners and ticketing arrangements interoperable with networks such as Lyon Metro and Rhônexpress online booking systems.

Rolling Stock and Infrastructure

Rolling stock for the service has included multiple-unit trains supplied by manufacturers like Stadler Rail and Alstom, specified for 25 kV AC electrification and capable of speeds up to 160 km/h, comparable to units used on TER services. Infrastructure works involved signaling upgrades coordinated with SNCF Réseau, improvements to platforms at Lyon Part-Dieu and the Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport station, and construction managed alongside contractors such as Eiffage and VINCI. The project incorporated safety systems compatible with ETCS standards in line with futureproofing initiatives from European Union rail regulations and interoperability frameworks like ERTMS.

Ridership and Performance

Since opening, ridership metrics have been tracked alongside figures for Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport passenger throughput and Lyon Part-Dieu station interchanges. Performance indicators compare favorably with international airport links like Gatwick Express and Heathrow Express in terms of journey time, though pricing and concession terms have been subject to public debate involving entities such as Métropole de Lyon and Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Operational reliability statistics are reported in transport studies by organizations including INSEE and regional mobility reports coordinated with Autorité Organisatrice bodies. The link supports modal shift objectives referenced in EU urban mobility policy and regional planning documents.

Future Plans and Upgrades

Planned upgrades consider electrification compatibility, signaling enhancements under ERTMS rollout plans, and potential rolling stock renewals with vendors like Stadler Rail and Alstom to improve energy efficiency and passenger comfort. Proposals by regional authorities such as Métropole de Lyon and stakeholders including SNCF examine timetable integration with projects like the Lyon Part-Dieu urban development and cross-border links to Geneva via enhanced TER coordination. Long-term scenarios reference EU funding mechanisms, public-private partnership models seen in projects like Foster + Partners infrastructure designs, and sustainability targets aligned with European Green Deal objectives.

Category:Rail transport in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Category:Airport rail links in France