One of the things I most appreciated in Grenoble was the ease of travel. I was lucky enough to live in the hyper-centre and could walk to most places, or take the tram just a couple of stops. My host parents rode bikes or walked, which seemed typical for a Grenoble resident.
Compared to the Green Line running through BU campus, the tram in Grenoble was a dream. Although it could get packed, there was usually a decent amount of space, it was easy to take, smooth, and clean.
We were given monthly tram passes as part of our program, something that made taking the tram really easy and convenient, especially where you just tap your card and walk onto the train.
At the beginning of the semester, Céline warned us about the contrôle, and how we may be fined if we forget to tap our cards and the month has lapsed. Seeing as how we had automatic monthly passes, I didn’t think much of it and just tapped my card every time I rode the tram.
Well, I found out the price of fare evasion when my girlfriend visited and we rushed to get on a train without buying her a ticket first: 61 euros, and yes, the contrôle takes card.
Fare evasion has recently been debated in public discussion in the U.S., when New York City began implementing measures to try to stop fare evasion, which has increased as the city’s subway system deteriorates. If the police catch you evading the fare, you could be fined $100, receive a civil summons, or be arrested.
In Boston, MBTA policy dictates that the initial fine for fare evasion is $100, and then it increases every subsequent infraction, though I have seen many people get on the train without paying where it runs above ground through campus, and never seen anyone get stopped for fare evasion.
Overall, I think the public transportation system in Grenoble functioned much better than most American systems, which also helps towards preventing fare evasion, where passengers are more likely to pay for a ticket when the service is good.
Not only was the tram clean and reliable, but I found that it was much more accessible than most systems in the U.S. The tram system is entirely above-ground, with gently-sloped ramps up to the platform, and a smooth transition from the platform to the train. Additionally, there are clearly marked seating sections for elderly and disabled people, and some trains had seats the fold up to leave room for wheelchair users. Many subway systems in the U.S. are inaccessible due to the underground platforms and a lack of working elevators, and stairs at the entrance to many train cars.
Additionally, the contrôle system seems much more effective than in American systems. Though the checks were random, meaning there’s a chance you won’t be stopped, they are efficient and effective, and there seemed to be a general trust and honor system where riders usually paid, making it a non-issue. Because the tram system operates so well, passengers see no issue with paying to support it, where in the U.S. the dysfunction of public transportation leaves passengers disgruntled with being charged what is sometimes a relatively high fare for unreliable service.
Just like with the higher education, France’s investment in providing citizen’s with a good service, and the individual’s responsibility to the group by paying the fare, work together to create and maintain a pretty well balanced transportation system.
Julianna Hill 