From Monday July 1, buses in the Clermont-Ferrand metropolitan area which run after 10 p.m. will be able to stop at the traveler’s request. An experiment that responds to passenger security demands.
Being able to get off the bus on demand from 10 p.m., this new system will be put in place in Clermont-Ferrand and its surrounding area from Monday July 1. This will allow you to get off between two stops in order to get closer to your destination. A much-awaited service for users. “I think it’s very good especially for women who are alone at night, it can be worrying”mentions one of them. “So, I think it’s a good idea for young women, women in general, even for everyone, for everyone’s safety”adds another. “In my opinion, I find it a very good initiative in the case where a man with bad intentions wants to approach girls or women, at least the bus driver can stop at any time”insists a user.
By reducing the walking distance between the bus stop and the final destination, this facility helps limit the feeling of insecurity, particularly at night in public spaces. “We had requests from women, especially to be able to stop as close as possible to their homes, evokes François Rage, president of SMTC‐AC & 1st vice‐president of Clermont Auvergne Métropole in charge of sustainable mobility. A service aimed at women but not only this service to anyone who does not feel safe, to feel good on their journey”.
When you get on the bus, simply tell the driver that you want to get off between two stops. He will then ensure the safety conditions to authorize descent through the front door: sufficient lighting, possibility of stopping safely, easy docking and presence of sidewalks.
The bus lines concerned are those whose journeys run after 10 p.m.:
Line B: every day
Line C: Fridays and Saturdays
Line 3: Sundays and public holidays
Line 24: from CHU Cébazat to Champratel on Sundays and public holidays
The experiment should last one year and could be extended to other times and other lines.
Comments collected by Romain Leloutre / France 3 Auvergne
