Rennes expands public transit with Metro Line B and new electric Trambus fleet

Rennes Métropole is advancing its public transportation infrastructure through the continued impact of Metro Line B and the introduction of a new electric Trambus fleet. Since its launch in September 2022, the 14-kilometer Metro Line B has connected key residential, educational, and economic hubs, including Cesson-Sévigné and Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande. The line has significantly reduced travel times between various communes and the city center, with nearly 80% of residents now living within 600 meters of a station.

Complementing the metro, the metropolitan area has unveiled the design for its future Trambus system. The project includes 80 fully electric vehicles manufactured by Daimler Buses, featuring a distinctive blue livery to ensure easy identification. These vehicles are designed for high frequency, with arrivals every four to eight minutes during peak hours, and include accessibility features for elderly passengers and people with disabilities.

While the technical specifications have been presented, the project faces criticism from local opposition members Carole Gandon and Jelle Lemaitre. The critics have questioned the efficiency of the proposed routes, the project's cost, and whether the service will effectively encourage motorists to switch to public transit, particularly regarding whether routes remain too concentrated within the ring road.