With the commissioning of tram line B and BRT line D in mid-February 2026, the Breton port city of Brest has significantly expanded its public transport network, originally inaugurated in 2012. The project, branded “Mon réseau grandit”, represents the second development phase of the system and, for the first time, combines a conventional tramway with a high-quality bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor. The objective is to improve connectivity across the metropolitan area of around 215,000 inhabitants and to unlock additional ridership potential.

The core element of the project is the new tram line B, which runs for 5.1 km between Brest railway station and the Cavale Blanche university hospital, serving a total of 11 stops. The line provides access to key residential districts and university facilities, particularly in the Bellevue area, and complements the existing line A to form a more networked system with interchange opportunities in the city centre. For operation of the line, a total of eight new low-floor tram vehicles of the Alstom Citadis 305 type were procured as part of a joint tender with the cities of Toulouse and Besançon. In order to reduce costs, no new depot was constructed; instead, the existing facility at Fort Montbarey was expanded to accommodate the additional fleet.

Operational integration between lines A and B is achieved via a newly constructed double-track connection between Rue de Siam and Rue Clémenceau, using the newly built northern ramp, while the southern ramp continues to be used by line A. This arrangement allows direct movements between Fort Montbarey and the “Gares” terminus for vehicle deployment and withdrawal. In addition, a small enclosed stabling facility has been created behind the CHU La Cavale Blanche terminus to allow overnight storage of two tramsets, again reflecting a cost-optimised approach.

In parallel with the tramway, BRT line D has been introduced, running over a distance of 4.3 km from the railway station to the northern district of Lambézellec and serving 13 stops. The line is operated using nine battery-electric articulated buses of the Mercedes-Benz eCitaro G type. The route runs largely on dedicated right-of-way from Gares to Place des FFI, before continuing in mixed traffic to its terminus. In the central section between the station and Place de la Liberté, the BRT vehicles share infrastructure with tram line B, although the Liberté Quartz stop is not served. Peak headways are as low as 7.5 minutes, providing a level of service comparable to rail-based systems.

Beyond the new lines themselves, the “Mon réseau grandit” project includes a wide range of supporting measures. Several multimodal interchange hubs have been created or upgraded to facilitate transfers between tram, bus, walking and private transport. In addition, around 12 km of new cycling infrastructure has been developed along the corridors. Major civil engineering works were also undertaken, including the construction of the Toullic Ar Ran and Francis Le Blé bridges, as well as the widening and strengthening of the existing Villeneuve and Clemenceau structures. A further key element is the installation of an inclined lift linking the tram terminus with the elevated Cavale Blanche hospital site.

Another feature is an inclined lift manufactured by Poma, which provides a direct link between the terminus and the higher-lying Cavale Blanche hospital grounds. Designed as a ‘vertical line’, the lift connects the tram terminus with the higher-lying hospital grounds in around one minute, covering a distance of 53 metres and a height difference of 10 metres.

The two cabins are custom-designed aluminium structures with generous panoramic glazing; they can accommodate up to 18 people and feature both seating and wheelchair-accessible spaces. Operating both cabins in parallel ensures high availability, whilst the architectural design, featuring lightweight timber, steel and concrete structures, aims to blend as discreetly as possible into the surrounding environment.

The total investment for the project amounts to approximately €225 million and covers infrastructure, rolling stock and upgrades to operational facilities. Following commissioning, the bus network has been reorganised to feed into the high-capacity corridors. Tram line B operates at frequencies of up to every six minutes and, together with line A, forms the backbone of the system, while BRT line D provides a flexible and cost-efficient complement.

Looking ahead, further extensions are planned, including potential prolongations of tram line A towards the suburban municipalities of Plouzané, Gouesnou and Guipavas, as well as continued electrification of the bus network. By combining tramway and fully electric BRT, Brest demonstrates how a medium-sized city can significantly enhance the attractiveness and capacity of its public transport system through integrated planning and targeted investment.

You can take a ride in the driver’s cab on the new Line B here: