What is multimodality ?

Multimodality means the use of several different means of transport for a single journey.
Its goal is to reduce the use of private cars and the problems they cause in favour of combined use of different, less polluting modes of transport : public transport, "soft" transport (walking, cycling, skating etc.), car sharing, car pooling etc.
Developing intermodality assumes the prior optimisation of alternatives to private cars.
In this context, in order that public transport can prove itself an effective alternative to private cars, it must be made a more attractive proposition.

This involves:

• Greater simplicity in use
• More flexibility: the option to switch easily from one mode of transport to another
• More comfort
• Better connections in terms of timetables and connection points making it easy to switch modes of  transport (interchanges)
• Cheaper public transport
• Information accessible to all

Several actions demonstrate the commitment of the Gironde district council in this area:

• 2003: implementation of an adapted ticketing system by TBC network. One single ticket for both TBC and Transgironde network is created. 
  
  
• 2005: this ticket evolves and becomes a smart card (Modalis). Thanks to this smart card, commuters now have access to different means of transport: Transgironde interurban buses, tramway and buses from TBC network.
  

  With this card, they can circulate freely on the TransGironde and Tbc networks while being given a preferential rate for Vcub (bicycles in self-service).
  This system provides more reliable knowledge of transport use and enables services and timetables to be adapted accordingly.

• 
  Since 2006, TransGironde network has adopted a new system of ticket validation. This state-of-the-art technology is compatible with other means of transport such as the tram or the bus. Plus it is planned to be used on the TER regional railway network.
  
  

•  In September 2012, with the launching of the new TransGironde network, single tariffing is founded. An attractive and economic rate is created. In parallel, inter-network connections and the frequency schedule are improved. 
  

New fare since 1st july 2015 : 2.60€ single trip

• In 2014, the Department has kept up its commitment to intermodality by establishing bike docking stations at the most attended bus stops of TransGironde network. The aim is to enable travelers to use a “soft” and active mode of transport - such as the bicycle to reach TransGironde  bus network. (click here for more information)

• The Gironde council also incites the development of car-pooling. Public transport cannot be a solution on its own to face citizens ‘mobility needs . Consequently, other alternatives such as car-pooling must be considered.
  Departmental car-pooling areas are arranged. Most of them are connected with the TransGironde network. A car-pooling section has been inserted in the new Transgironde website launched in April 2014.

Have a look at "La vie en Gironde" video

Have a look at "La vie en Gironde" video, which is about an intermobility journey bike/car-pooling / private car produced in August 2014 and broadcasted on TV7 channel