Frequency, service, timetable: the fast network project around Lille is coming forward – France Bleu

Promised in the fall of 2022 by Emmanuel Macron, the shapes of the “Metropolitan Regional Express Service” (SERM) are becoming a little more precise. Until October 30, 2024, several meetings will be organized in Hauts-de-France to present it to residents and gather their opinions about this project that promises to double the number of trains that circulate between Lille and the various towns in the area.

Trains every 5 to 10 minutes for some, every 15 to 30 minutes for others

“The idea is to offer more carbon-free means of transport, and rail is the best solution to do this.explains Christophe Coulon, vice-president of the Hauts-de-France region in charge of Transport, interview with France Bleu Nord.

With the SERM, by 2040, they are trains at peak times every 5 to 10 minutes to be announcedin each direction, between Lille and the cities in which it has its first and second crowns: Hazebrouck to the west, Bethune, Lens, Hénin-Beaumont and Douai to the south, Valenciennes to the east, and Tourcoing to the north. Intermediate stations (Bailleul, Seclin, Roubaix, etc.) will also be served.

To connect Lille with regional centers further away (Dunkirk, Calais, Avesnes-sur-Helpe, Cambrai, etc.) the frequency will not be as high, but they are trains at peak times every 15 to 30 minutes guaranteed.

Two new stations in Lille and Lille-Lesquin airport

To achieve this, the project intends to carry out work to transform the existing railway network, to create a new line between Lille and the mining basinbut also to buy additional trains. “It is planned to buy trains worth 2.5 billion euros, or about 100 to 120 new trains, to maintain this distribution and frequency of trains.”follows Christophe Coulon.

Other improvements planned to accommodate and operate these trains: the creation of an underground “cross” station in Lille, in the Euraflandres regionbetween the current Lille Flandres and Lille Europe stations. Another station, also underground but less complex in design, is also announced to serve Lille-Lesquin airport. Also planned are extended train times from 5am to 11pm and a number of improvements to encourage inter-connection of stations with other modes of transport.

One question remains to be resolved: the way to finance this SERM. “Ultimately, in 2040, we will have to find a new funding model: the region does not currently have the means to fund this service in the future. “explains Christophe Coulon, who adds that “everything must be created” : “It’s a parliamentary debate that needs to start, the Transport Minister has promised us this in the coming months.”

In the meantime, a website has been created to provide information and give your opinion on this project: serm-hauts-de-france.eu