SPIE equips two Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines in the PACA Region

SPIE CityNetworks, a French subsidiary of the SPIE group, has completed work on the launch of two Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines in Aix-en-Provence (Bouches-du-Rhône department) and in the conurbation authority of Sophia Antipolis (Alpes-Maritimes department).

Fact sheet

  • Services: M&E
  • Subsidiary: SPIE France
  • Year: 2020
  • Tags: Mobility
  • Status: Completed

As a result of these two contracts, SPIE CityNetworks has strengthened its position in the new “Transport” projects carried out in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region. Having been put into service in Aix-en-Provence last September, the new 100% electric Aixpress bus line runs through the city from north to south, travelling through the city centre on a 7.2km route (comprising 19 stops), over 80% of which consists of exclusive bus lanes. The “Bus-Tram” service provided by the Sophia Antipolis conurbation authority connects the Valbonne Sophia Antipolis bus station to Antibes City Centre, with 24 stops along the way.

In both projects, the Transport and Mobility Operational Division of SPIE CityNetworks was involved in installing and integrating video surveillance systems, passenger information systems, public address systems on platforms, fibre optics, IP networks and intercom systems into the existing street furniture, and also carried out work on all the technical supervision systems. In the case of the Sophia Antipolis Bus-Tram service, SPIE CityNetworks also supplied and installed the signal-controlled junctions and Passenger Information (PI) terminals at bus stops, stations and interchange hubs with the aim of providing users with real-time information on bus times and any events affecting the network.

Complex projects requiring agility and organisational expertise

Thanks to our effective management of the interfaces between the various related specialisms involved in the projects and our operational agility, we were able to deliver both projects. We were also able to meet our customers’ requirements – i.e. to improve passenger comfort and increase demand while promoting a better managed and more eco-friendly approach,” explains Olivier Martin, Transport & Mobility Business Manager at SPIE CityNetworks. The SPIE teams spent five months studying and designing the project before spending a further six months installing the equipment and putting it into service.

Innovative services designed for local authorities

For local authorities, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines are an innovative alternative to conventional bus lines and trams. Using dedicated bus lanes 80% of the time and with a higher passenger capacity than conventional buses, they meet three key priorities:

· To promote the use of public transport by providing more frequent, more regular, faster and more flexible services.
· To improve the passenger experience by providing a very high level of comfort and optimised and real-time user traffic information, as well as guaranteed access.
· To ensure more sustainable mobility through high-capacity transport and energy-efficient driving using vehicles running on electric and “green” energy.