The Federal Administrative Tribunal has ruled in favor of opponents challenging the tram route toward Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, annulling a 2023 transport decision for the cross-border extension, according to a court ruling issued on July 16.
According to the ruling, the court overturned the Federal Office of Transport approval granted in July 2023 for the second section of the line 15 extension. This specific segment links the industrial zone of Plan-les-Ouates to the French border running through Perly.
Opposition to the project came from several fronts, including local business owners. According to the source material, these merchants fear for the survival of their enterprises if transit traffic is eliminated entirely when the tram begins operating along the route de Saint-Julien.
Council of State Response and Stakeholder Meetings
Following information published on Tuesday by the Tribune de Genève, the Council of State stated that it takes note of the ruling and will analyze its considerations carefully. The government plans to consult with the Transports publics genevois, the Federal Office of Transport, French authorities, and Geneva communes to determine appropriate operational and legal steps.
Did You Know? The first section of the extension of tram line 15—running between Les Palettes and the industrial zone of Plan-les-Ouates—officially entered service at the end of 2023.
A broad consultation with local stakeholders had already been scheduled for late August. The Federal Administrative Tribunal raised objections specifically regarding the proposed bypass road, noting that it encroaches upon agricultural land.
Environmental Priorities and Future Outlook
According to the government, the court decision emphasizes that mobility usage, environmental priorities, and spatial planning perspectives have evolved significantly since the Grand Council passed its ad hoc decision in 2013.
Despite the setback, the Council of State noted that the tribunal does not call into question the principle of the tram or its designated route. French local authorities have already executed initial investments to prepare for the tram’s arrival, while construction work currently remains at a standstill on the Geneva side.
Frequently Asked Questions
In a ruling dated July 16, the tribunal annulled the 2023 decision by the Federal Office of Transport regarding the second section of the tram extension connecting Plan-les-Ouates to the French border via Perly.
According to the source material, business owners fear for the survival of their companies if transit traffic is completely eliminated due to the introduction of the tram on the route de Saint-Julien.
Work on the Geneva side is currently at a standstill, whereas French authorities have already made initial investments in anticipation of the tram’s arrival.
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