Bus service overhaul in Dunkirk includes free travel

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Since 1 September 2018, Dunkirk has become the largest European urban conurbation to have an entirely free bus network for everybody. For Dunkirk, free transport is a strong political choice and also a smart one.”Patrice Vergriete, president, Communauté Urbaine de DunkerqueDunkirk’s bus services were slow and unreliable, which meant they were not well used. The existing high-frequency lines served less than half the local population and operating costs were rising by more than EUR 1.3 million a year. Dk’Plus de mobilité set about changing this situation by meeting demand for new bus routes, making transport flow better and improving the station for people arriving by train.Dedicated lanes, speedier serviceAs a result of changes instigated through the project, the new bus network includes five high-level service lines that operate using dedicated lanes, ensuring efficient and speedy travel. The buses are given priority at intersections through traffic light management. Each line operates at 10 minute intervals and connects to other bus services which have had their frequency adapted to meet local needs. In general, services have been made more user-friendly; stops have been made easier to identify and bus movements are constantly monitored.Dunkirk’s railway station has been transformed into an intermodal transport hub through the project. The station is now more pleasant, functional and safe. Alterations at the site have given the local urban area a more modern image and allow people leaving the station to access other transport options more easily.In addition, an urban expressway created in the 1970s has been transformed into an urban boulevard, reconnecting the city of Saint-Pol-sur-Mer to Dunkirk’s Petite-Synthe district. This has helped to calm traffic in the area and made it possible to reintroduce nature to the city.Free travelIn September 2018, Dunkirk became the largest French conurbation to implement free bus travel throughout its territory. The initiative has resulted in a dramatic increase in bus use by residents – up by more than 60 % during the week and up by more than 120 % on weekends.The wider benefits of the project include cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector; better services have encouraged more people to choose public transport and leave the car at home. In addition, Dk’Plus de mobilité has reduced inequalities in terms of mobility by providing more frequent and free public transport that is closer to residents, places of activity, shopping and leisure.Total investment and EU fundingTotal investment for the project “Dk’Plus de mobilité” is EUR 26 478 818, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 11 654 879 through the “Nord-Pas de Calais” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Transport and energy networks”.