TER Corse
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TER Corse, or Chemin de Fer de la Corse (CFC) is the regional rail network serving Corse région, France. Its network is articulated around the town of Ponte-Leccia (PL). There are 3 main lines: PL-Calvi, PL-Ajaccio and PL-Bastia. The East coast line from Ghisonccia to Porto Veccio, bombed during World War II and damaged, was never repaired no reopened.
The L'Île-Rousse-Calvi line, or Balagne line, is very popular among tourists because it follows the coastline practically over the beaches with opportunities for beach hopping.
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[edit] Network
With a length of 232 km, the network is composed of two lines, both with only a unique track :
- Ajaccio-Bastia via Corte (158 km)
- Calvi- Ponte-Leccia via L'Île-Rousse (74 km)
A third line (130 km), open between 1888 and 1935, serving the orientale plaine, linked Casamozza to Porto-Vecchio. After numerious destructions during World War II in Septembre 1943, it was never restored. Tracks of the dissused line, between Casamozza and Moriani, at , is considered for partial reopening.
The island's geography and topography has forced the line to follow it. The network comprises of thirty-two tunnels and fifty-one bridges and viaducts. The longest tunnel, long of 3.9 km, is situated near gare de Vizzavona. This tunnel, situated at 906 m high is also the highest on the network.
[edit] Ownership
The network is owned by the Government of France but not by Réseau Ferré de France. The Collectivité territoriale de Corse, CTC, is the concessionery holder of the network, thanks to the act of parliament regarding regionalisation of railways in France, and is the transport organisator authority, regulator of railway services. The CTC has entrusted the SNCF with operation of rail services since 1 January 1983. An agreement between both bodies exist under the Loi Sapin law for a duration of nine years, beginning on 1 September 2001.
A modernisation plan, between the government, the CTC and SNCF, envisages the spending of 110 M euros. These funds are allocated to the modernising of rolling stock and infrstructure, thus reducing travel time.
An expansion of the network, towards airports at Bastia and Ajaccio is envisaged.
[edit] Rolling stock
Services are provided with Sixteen multiple units and locomotives, of which five are CFD diesel locomotives, built betwen 1975 and 1983, and seven diesel multiple units built between 1989 and 1997.
[edit] Service
Service is essentialy composed of passenger hauling. It is divided in different activities:
- Inter-urban services:
- Four return journeys betwen Bastia and Ajaccio (158 km, travel time 3 hours 25 minutes)
- One return journey between Bastia and Calvi (120 km, travel time 2 hours 44 minutes)
- Three return journeys between Ponte-Leccia and la Balagne, of which two premuturely end at l'Île-Rousse where an interchange exists with the Tramway de la Balagne.
- Frequent suburban services:
- Between Bastia and Casamozza (21 km) and nicknamed the Bastia métro. Twenty stations are served in 30 minutes.
- Between Calvi and l'Île-Rousse (22 km) and nicknamed Tramway de la Balagne. Eighteen stations are served in 50 minutes. Frequent service is provided throughout Summer with a reduced service in the Winter season.
Goods traffic represents 1000 tons per year.
[edit] External links