Île de France Mobilités initiates Melun Station accessibility transformation

Melun station, nestled in the heart of Seine-et-Marne, Île de France, plays a critical role as a major transit hub, facilitating the daily journeys of approximately 45,000 travellers across multiple lines, including Transilien D and R, TER Bourgogne Franche-Comté, and Ouigo. Recognising its significance, Île de France Mobilités (IDFM) is undertaking an ambitious modernisation project aimed at enhancing accessibility, comfort, and efficiency for commuters through updated infrastructure.

Scheduled for completion by 2030, the Melun station project signifies a commitment to revitalising transportation infrastructure throughout the Île-de-France Region. With a dedicated budget of EUR 1.5 billion, directed towards achieving rail network accessibility by 2025 through the Accessibility Master Plan (SDA), Île-de-France Mobilités is not only prioritising station accessibility but also investing in cutting-edge equipment to meet the diverse needs of passengers.

The initiative emerged as a result of valuable insights gathered from public consultations held in 2018, involving residents, commuters and authorities. The feedback collected during this phase was instrumental in shaping the project's objectives, ensuring alignment with the genuine needs of the community.

The project started on 1 February 2024, with the initiation of the demolition phase aimed at clearing the old passenger building to pave the way for a new underpass.

The Melun station redevelopment project covers multiple key elements designed to enhance the overall commuter experience:

• Construction of a new underground passage and vertical links to provide enhanced platform access, facilitating smoother transitions for passengers.
• Implementation of accessibility features catering to individuals with reduced mobility (PRM) and disabilities (PSH), ensuring inclusivity and equal access for all passengers.
• Revamping station spaces to alleviate congestion and improve passenger flow, creating a more seamless and efficient travel environment.
• Promotion of active mobility, with a strategic focus on enhancing cycling infrastructure to encourage sustainable commuting options.
• Creation of a spacious pedestrian square, designed to facilitate convenient drop-offs for T Zen 2 and urban buses, enhancing overall connectivity.
• Reconfiguration of bus stations and the introduction of a park-and-ride facility, aimed at optimising multimodal transportation options and reducing congestion.

The financing for this ambitious project, totalling  EUR 200 million, is sourced from various stakeholders, including the state, Île-de-France Region, Seine-et-Marne Department, Melun Val de Seine Urban Community, Île-de-France Mobility, and SNCF Gares & Connexions. Their collective investment underlines a shared commitment to fostering sustainable and efficient transportation solutions for the benefit of all commuters.

The Melun station modernisation project represents a significant leap forward in the realm of transportation infrastructure, empowering a vision of accessibility, sustainability, and seamless connectivity. As the project unfolds, it promises to redefine the commuter experience, setting new standards for transit hubs within the Île-de-France Region and beyond.

Article first published by Intelligent Transport on 9 February 2024. 

Author: Jonathan De Vriendt

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.