"No public utility", "a supplement"... What the candidates for mayor of Toulon think of the "superbus"

The public inquiry ended on Wednesday. Before that, for a month, citizens were able to learn about the Bus Rapid Transit (BHNS) project led by the Toulon Provence Méditerranée metropolitan area and share their observations. But what do the candidates for mayor of Toulon think of this dedicated public transport system (TCSP), given that the idea of ​​a tramway regularly resurfaces? We asked them.

Josée Massi - outgoing mayor (various right)

"This debate has gone on for far too long. If we want to be able to offer our fellow citizens a structured public transport system whose administrative procedures are completed and whose work is ready to start at the end of the year; if we want to put in place a modern transport system whose work will not jeopardize the renewed dynamism of our city center; if we want to choose a flexible mode of transport adapted to the very particular topography of our city; if we want an ecological and silent mode of transport on which the population has had the opportunity to express its opinion on several occasions, the only reasonable choice (...) is that of the BHNS. Any other option would result in postponing the project for 10 years and would be an irresponsible, unrealistic and purely dogmatic stance."

Magali Brunel - Toulon in common (various left)

"Toulon En Commun is clearly in favor of the tramway and believes that the BHNS is absolutely not in the public interest. The sums announced for the financing of the BHNS would be a waste since it is not truly a TCSP and the cost/benefit ratio is much lower than that of a tram. (...) And it is not a "clean" solution, since it is not on 30% of the territory, in particular in Saint-Jean-du-Var (...). As all the studies have shown, the tramway is by far the best solution and in particular for the configuration of Toulon. It is on a dedicated lane, faster and carries more passengers (...). It is more comfortable and inclusive, less expensive in the medium term, narrower and therefore better suited to the geography of Toulon. (...)"

Laure Lavalette - RN (far right)

"We lose 62 hours a year in traffic jams in Toulon. We need to find solutions! We've been in political limbo on this issue for over 25 years. The people of Toulon and businesses have already paid a heavy price. The majority that wins next March will inherit a difficult legacy. However, it won't necessarily have to destroy everything. We must keep in mind that a BRT doesn't rule out doing other things as well. A tramway probably can't address every situation either. Perhaps the first BRT line could complement another mode of transport. There shouldn't be any taboos when it comes to mobility in Toulon; we shouldn't rule anything out."

Pierre-Jacques Depallens - MoDem (center)

"The solution of a modern, ecological and efficient means of transport on a dedicated lane is a priority. When it comes to Mr. Falco's assessment, after his final convictions, he will remain the mayor of nothingness in terms of urban transport. (...) Not a wheel is running, not a rail is laid on a dedicated lane. Our group, A Real Course for Toulon, was in favor of the tramway solution in 2020 for well-known reasons: smoother travel, reduced pollution, reduced traffic jams. Our particularity in 2026 will be to propose a citizen vote on crucial issues. It is the people of Toulon who will vote directly to choose the tramway or the BHNS.

Emmanuel Le Lostec - Forward Toulon (ecology)

"We must not waste any more time questioning the BHNS project. All this does not prevent us from avoiding the tramway. But rather than choosing between the two modes, we must combine them. I also want to add innovation with the Urbanloop, these small cabins on rails that will soon see the light of day in Nancy, and which are simple to set up. They would irrigate the neighborhoods of Toulon, they would pick people up from their homes. And they could serve the Hyères airport. We could also put SeaBubbles into service on the harbor, hydrofoils, a kind of flying taxi on the water."

Michel Bonnus - The Republicans (right)

"We've fallen behind other major cities, and that's penalizing us. But today, we shouldn't rush into things just because the prefect asks for it. I'm not against the BHNS. The most important thing, however, is to involve the people of Toulon in the choice of transport mode, to communicate, and not to decide alone, as we have the impression is being done. This project must also include the redevelopment of outlying neighborhoods, Saint-Jean-du-Var, Pont-du-Las... In Nice, the tramway has brought incredible benefits for businesses, for real estate, for the environment..."

1. Speech on June 19 at an RN meeting on mobility.