Restoring local transport services to their rightful place
They represent a quarter of the national rail network, but often remain overlooked. However, local rail services play a key role in connecting communities, opening up rural areas and supporting the local economy.
Against a backdrop of ecological transition and regional rebalancing, they are now at the heart of public policy and rail investment plans.
Small lines, a lever for major transitions
Local rail services connect medium-sized towns, rural areas and suburban areas. They facilitate everyday travel, boost the local economy, support employment and enable a modal shift towards rail.
➡️ In 2025, there will be 7,600 km of lines, of which 7,100 km will be in operation.
➡️ 70% of these lines will have fewer than 20 services per day… but they are essential for thousands of residents.
Après des décennies de désengagement progressif, l’heure est à la réactivation, à la modernisation et à la sécurisation. Plusieurs dispositifs d’investissement en témoignent :
Investing in the local network
- The State-Region Plan, consolidated with €500 million per year in 2024
- The Railway Future Plan, for lines deemed ‘structural’
- The European Recovery Plan, mobilised from 2020
New arrangements are also emerging: direct regional management, comprehensive operating contracts, and local pooling of expertise.
At the regional level, tailor-made engineering
Renovating a fine line requires a combination of technical expertise, local logistics and enhanced coordination. At ETF, these projects draw on all our know-how: tailored methods, co-construction with local authorities, professional integration and consideration of constraints on the ground.
Each line that is reactivated, modernised or made safer means more resilient and inclusive rail mobility.
Discover three concrete examples of projects carried out on local rail lines: – Reconnection of local lines between Poitiers and Limoges – Railway improvements south of Bordeaux (AFSB) – Modernisation of the Laon-Hirson line
Poitiers–Limoges: a regional line regains its potential
In Vienne, ETF is working on 50 km of the Poitiers–Limoges line as part of the Railway Investment Plan (PDIFer). The objective is to modernise a local service line that is essential for regional mobility.
Working in partnership with Térélian (co-contractor, VINCI Construction), BTPS and Unifer, the teams are renewing the track and ballast while improving drainage and the platform. This is a major project designed to guarantee 20 years of service life for the infrastructure.
In terms of impact:
- 5,000 hours of integration already achieved
- Mobilisation of local staff and an ESAT (French organisation helping disabled people into work)
- No accidents to date
Read the full article here
AFSB : au sud de Bordeaux, un projet de développement entre présent et futur
ETF is involved in the Southern Bordeaux Railway Development Project (AFSB). This project addresses two challenges: improving daily commutes and preparing for the future connection to the Bordeaux–Toulouse high-speed rail line.
Our teams are replacing the existing catenary system with the CS2R system along 7 km of track in an urban area. This technical operation is being carried out in a challenging environment using hybrid machinery, which is more carbon-efficient and quieter for local residents.
Modernisation, foresight and efficiency: a project that addresses both local and national challenges.
Read the full article here
Laon–Hirson: modernising a narrow-gauge line to reconnect the Thiérache region
The regeneration of the 55 km Laon–Hirson line is a major project to improve local services in the Thiérache region (02). This essential line connects rural areas and small towns, facilitating the daily commute of 1,500 students and freight transport, while supporting the local economy.
The work involves renewing the track and ballast, including 30.7 km using a factory train, and modernising 28 level crossings and nearly 38 railway bridges, ensuring the long-term future of this strategic infrastructure.
Beyond the technical aspects, ETF is making this project part of a strong regional impact approach by incorporating a professional integration policy. Since March 2025, 37 people who are far from the job market have been trained and supported on the construction site, combining network modernisation and local development.
Laon–Hirson thus fully embodies the vision of mobility that is closely aligned with regional needs.
Read the full article here