PHOTO // Moldova learns from France’s experience in urban mobility, public transport's modernization; deputy PM’s visit to Paris

Moldova is examining modern urban mobility and public transport solutions successfully applied in France, in the context of efforts to modernize its transport infrastructure. The French model was studied during a visit to Paris by a delegation from the Infrastructure and Regional Development Ministry (MIDR), led by Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea.

In Paris, the delegation had a string of meetings and technical visits dedicated to the organization and operation of modern tram systems. At the headquarters of SYSTRA, one of the world leaders in engineering and consultancy for public transport and urban mobility solutions, models for the development of modern tram systems were presented, from the design and urban integration stage to operation, maintenance and infrastructure management. The sides also analyzed examples of projects implemented in different cities around the world, as well as solutions applied to enhance the efficiency of urban public transport.

In the second part of the day, the members of the delegation discussed with representatives of the local public transport operator how a tram line’s activity is organized, how safety and traffic flows are managed and how relations between the operator and the public transport authority are coordinated.

The agenda also included visits to tram lines T3a and T3b, with stops at representative points along the route, where solutions were presented regarding stations’ accessibility, informing passengers, tram priority at intersections and the integration of transport infrastructure into the urban space.

The MIDR delegation also visited the Ladoumègue depot, in order to become familiar with how trams’ maintenance and storage activities are organized, how the operational control center works and with the main challenges associated with managing a modern public transport network.

The agenda for the following days includes discussions on financing infrastructure and urban mobility projects, visits to public transport systems in Strasbourg and meetings in Brussels with European transport officials.

A MIDR delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, is paying a visit to Paris and Strasbourg on June 9-12, to examine France’s experience in developing urban mobility. The visit will continue on June 12 in Brussels, where meetings are planned with representatives of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), focusing on cooperation in the field of transport and the development of connectivity infrastructure.