Cross channel connection can teach French lessons

Others can benefit from studying the approaches to passenger transport adopted by cities in France. says Peter Stonham though a resistance to competition is less welcome

Peter Stonham holds a degree in transport and has studied and written about the subject for more than 30 years. He is editorial director of the Landor group, which he founded, and has led the development of New Transit, Local Transport Today and its other specialist magazines and on online networks. He previously co-edited Jane’s Urban Transport Systems, helped found the Transport Planning Society and launch the Travel 2020 event and its predecessor, Passenger Transport Solutions. He has contributed to many other specialist publications and conferences.

Peter Stonham holds a degree in transport and has studied and written about the subject for more than 30 years. He is editorial director of the Landor group, which he founded, and has led the development of New Transit, Local Transport Today and its other specialist magazines and on online networks. He previously co-edited Jane’s Urban Transport Systems, helped found the Transport Planning Society and launch the Travel 2020 event and its predecessor, Passenger Transport Solutions. He has contributed to many other specialist publications and conferences.

We’ve thrown the spotlight on France for this issue. There is a great deal happening in the French passenger transport scene which is innovative and positive and well worth the attention of professionals from other countries.

As New Transit was going to press, François Hollande was elected President, on a slate of increased public spending to achieve growth, and a concern for greater equity. Both these objectives could impact upon transport, as could a highly sceptical view on the...