The Watchmakers line.Image: dr
The Watchmakers line was put back into service after eight months of work.
After eight months of work, the Horlogers line linking the Neuchâtel Mountains to Besançon (F) is back in service. The canton of Neuchâtel and the urban agglomeration of Doubs (AUD) intend to expand the offer.
The development includes in particular the addition of a TER in the evening from La Chaux-de-Fonds, the partners indicated on Friday: the State of Neuchâtel, the City of La Chaux-de-Fonds, the municipalities of Val de Morteau and the AUD. It should make it possible to offer more flexibility to commuters and attract new ones.
Best ticketing
This addition during the time slot from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. is currently under study, the press release specifies. The train concerned could thus replace the coach which currently runs at 6:44 p.m. between the towns of Le Locle and Morteau. Its commissioning would take place by 2026 if necessary.
At the same time, improvement in ticketing is being sought. The sale of route tickets is now possible online and at CFF distributors. Interval annual subscriptions can be purchased at points of sale. Other improvements are in sight, such as the sale of annual subscriptions, mainly via the digital channel.
The Watchmakers line underwent a first phase of modernization work carried out from 2019 to 2021. The second, which has just been completed, therefore resulted in an eight-month interruption in operations. It was financed mainly by the Burgundy-Franche-Comté Region as well as the French State and SNCF-Réseau.
Improved performance
The canton of Neuchâtel and the CFF have financed work on the Swiss side, with a view to improving the performance of the line. This mainly concerns a new block at the Forges halt, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, and the replacement of the railway bridge in Le Locle allowing the increase in capacity.
From the next timetable change in December, all CFF and SNCF trains will stop at the new Forges stop, with the exception of two morning TER trains which are however outside commuting flows, with a departure from La Chaux-de-Fonds to Morteau at 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. (sda/ats)
The news in Switzerland is here
Show all articles
A convict marks a historic return to the White House
Video: watson
This might also interest you:
On November 8, 2024, an individual threatened staff, stole the loot, then fled, triggering a large operation by the Valais police.
An individual attacked the station ticket office in Martigny, in Valais, on Friday shortly after 7:15 a.m. After threatening the staff, he took the loot and left the premises. A large police force was deployed.
Business
