As yet, I still don't have my computer sorted and I am suffering from a rotten flu-y type bug which is dragging on since just after Boxing Day- I hope I start to feel a bit more normal soon.
Surprisingly, I am feeling remarkably optimistic about 2008 despite the strange start to the year.
I had intended to take a lot of photos of the new trams and things en route but it hasn't quite worked yet-this might be an ongoing project for 2008.
The trams in Nice have been a huge success- I think they have been much more popular than was originally expected.
On the opening weekend at the end of November , the trams were free and every tram car was jampacked with people squished together like sardines. We joined the throng and went from one end to the other, which was quite an adventure.
It wasn't quite as bad as the Japanese trains where people are pushed on by white-gloved officials but it probably wasn't too far off.
Things have settled down now that the tramway is running smoothly - though the trams can be busy at rush hour and night.
Here is one of the trams approaching the station nearest the Gare SNCF [train station].
The electronic sign with red letters gives the estimated time till the next tram arrives plus the times for the ones which follow.
The trams are very sleek and shiny and the journey is pretty smooth and quick. The trams and ligne d'azur bus system are integrated so that connections from tram to bus [or vice versa] can be made using the same ticket, which is pretty good value.
There is also an all day ticket that allows unlimited travel on the tram/bus system or a 10 journey ticket that is handy for multiple journeys or travelling with other people.
(The tickets need to be validated on board the tram in the same yellow machines as on the ligne d'azur buses)
Technorati Tags: trams, Nice, tramway
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5 comments:
The last pic is amazing, they look space agey.
Hope you feel better soon.
P.x
Hi Alison, I've just discovered your lovely blog. I visited Nice when my daughter was living there for a year as part of her university course and loved it. We could sorely do with trams like that in Bristol!
Hi Alison...
just found your blog! great read...
cheers,
Diana
That's pretty cool. So quick! Here in Virginia, they've been talking about light rail for something like 20 years and they'll probably talk about it for another 20 before they ever get anything done.
P -The trams are really space agey -i think the unusual metallic bronze colour adds to the effect.
Jess - I did block release studies at Bristol Poly some years ago so I am quite fond of Bristol. I think trams would be a brilliant idea for Bristol
Diana- thanks =]
radiogirl. I think everyone in Nice thought the tram project was never going to happen so maybe the Virginia light rail project will suddenly get the green light.
I hope so
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