Two new priority lines to ensure fast and efficient journeys, while promoting intermodal transport practices, and ensuring that the local eco-system is preserved.
- 25 November 2014
The “Transport Collectif en Site Propre de Martinique Phase II” (TCSP) project completes and extends the investments of the 2000- 2006 programming period, which consisted in preparatory works set out to extend and rebuild two new bus lanes.
Optimisation of service road and inter-city accessibility
The construction programme has designed a two-way, 14 km long road divided into 5 sections of construction. The purpose is to counteract traffic congestion between two major cities of the region, Fort-de-France and Lamentin, and reduce the number of cars on the road, currently amounting to up to about 100 000 vehicles / day. The measures taken aim to further reduce the region’s carbon footprint.
New road equipment facilities are also under construction (rolling stock, storage and maintenance shops). Intensification of road security will be ensured by 14 new stations, alongside high-quality shelters and stops. Furthermore, three interchange stations have been created, which are expected to provide approx. 380 new parking spots in Mahault and Carrère. The interchanges Pointe des Sables, Californie and Acajou are similarly being equipped.
Far-reaching economic and social impacts
The TCSP project intends to be of maximum benefit to local commuters and shoppers, and will directly help 30 000 people within 500 metres of the tracks. More generally, the project plans to improve traffic conditions for about 70 % of Martinique’s population (274 000 people). Moreover, the new installation will reduce travel times by approx. 15 min.
The project eventually purports to directly impact on commercial activities in the vicinity, for instance through the new link between Lamentin and the airport. It is hoped that the TCSP project will encourage car users to switch to the public transport system, thus ensuring sound environmental management of the region. It is expected that 2 000 jobs will be created during the construction works.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Transport Collectif en Site Propre de Martinique, Phase II” is EUR 317 557 914, of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund is contributing EUR 66 200 000 through the “Martinique” Operational Programme, for the 2007 to 2013 programming period. Work falls under the priority "Accessibilité du territoire".