It’s five months since the new Aixpress bus service was finally launched, with a rather hefty price tag of 99.2m euros. What are the results so far, and what do locals make of it?
Results first.
- 9,000 users per day were anticipated. In fact the pre-Christmas period (markets/shopping) saw more than this with 18 December peaking at 12,000. Against that, school holidays see numbers drop to around 6000 per day.
- Rush-hour demand has necessitated 2 extra bus-services, plus the addition of a standard (no 26) bus
- Provision of larger buses (18m instead of 12m) being considered
- The service runs between two major car-parks. Krypton is usually full while the new one at Jas de Bouffan often only has cars in one of its three floors. Traditionally users in Aix have been slow to utilise new car-parks.
People’s views: La Provence interviewed passengers who seemed pretty unanimous: the buses are too small, too full, but on time.
This certainly was my feeling when I took advantage of a free ride on launch day (https://aixcentric.com/2019/09/05/a-ride-on-the-new-aixpress/). They are supposed to take 100 people with just 21 seated. The theory is that because it is local transport, a hop-on, hop-off service is acceptable. They certainly look uncomfortably crammed at rush hour.
People interviewed though did point out that because the buses are so frequent and punctual, they can afford to wait for the next one.
Another positive is that the buses are 100% electric, recharging in minutes at each end, quieter too.
With municipal elections coming up, it will be interesting to see if whoever gets the hot seat as mayor will extend the network?
aixcentric 
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