Budget savings: Haute-Garonne waives toll discounts for workers

by time news

It is a 25-year-old system that will disappear at the beginning of 2025. ⁣After having reduced aid for the Zap31 system ten years ago, which allows users to have ‌prices on departmental tolls during home-work journeys, the⁣ Department of Haute-Garonne, announced the pure and ⁣simple end of this community-subsidized system. It ‍was ‌the president of the departmental council, Sébastien Vincini, who personally informed the ‌beneficiaries in a letter dated 6 November.

Over‍ 8,000 users out of ‍50,000 registered

According ⁢to Vinci data, of the 50,000 ‍subscribers, only 8,000 currently use Zap31. ‌More interesting than the Ulys electronic‌ toll formula, this ⁣system allowed its beneficiary, for 1.50 euros per month, to pay 15% less on the preferential route around Toulouse from‌ the 1st to the 22nd passage and a reduction of 80 % from ​23rd to 44th⁤ pass.

The community justified this ‍plan imposed‍ by the “alarming financial situation” ⁣and the savings⁤ requested by the State within the framework of the finance law. There was talk of imposing savings of almost‍ 5 billion euros on local authorities which could further penalize local ⁤finances already under⁢ pressure.‌ Since then the ⁣government has watered down the wine, but the spirit has ⁤remained the same.

“Due to the collapse of the⁢ real estate market, the ‍department’s budget was cut by 253 million euros in revenue⁢ in two years,” explains the departmental council ⁤of‌ Haute-Garonne. In this constrained⁤ and ‍imposed framework, the Department is forced to reduce its expenditure and make a total effort ⁢of 160 million euros when voting on our initial 2025 budget is actually a rule of thumb. However, local authorities are obliged⁢ to do so: operating expenses cannot exceed operating revenues. »

In his letter to subscribers, Sébastien Vincini assures “to support daily travel by promoting alternative solutions to the individual⁤ car or aimed at collective means of transport”, citing projects for the development of carpooling areas, the development of ‌fast bicycle networks or of public transport in the⁢ metropolis of Toulouse, in particular with the extension of the‌ metro network and the⁤ future RER metropolitan ​project.

How can communities adapt to the ⁣loss of subsidies from systems ‍like Zap31 to promote sustainable transportation?

Time.news Editor: Welcome to our interview‌ today. We’re joined by ‍transportation expert ‍Dr.‌ Claire Beaumont, who has been⁤ following the developments​ of community-supported toll systems in France. Dr. ⁤Beaumont, ​thank you for being here.

Dr. Claire Beaumont: ⁢Thank you for having me! ⁤I’m excited to discuss‍ the ⁤changes ⁢happening with the Zap31 system.

Editor: ⁢Let’s dive right in. The Department of ‌Haute-Garonne has ‌announced the end of the Zap31 system, which has been helping commuters for 25 years. What do ⁤you think led ​to this ⁤decision?

Dr. ⁢Beaumont: ‌It seems ⁤that there are multiple factors at play. One significant ‍issue is the decline⁤ in‍ active users—out of 50,000 registered ⁤subscribers, only about 8,000 are regularly using the⁤ service. This drastic ⁢drop in usage likely influenced the decision-making process. Additionally, there may be budgetary constraints, as the department had already⁢ reduced aid for the system ten years ago.

Editor: That’s a valid point. It appears that the initial intent of the system—to provide subsidies for commuters—has not kept pace ‍with‌ usage or demand. How⁣ effective was the ⁣Zap31 system ​for ​those who did utilize it?

Dr. Beaumont: For the users who ​did take advantage of it, it offered‌ significant savings.⁤ For⁢ just 1.50 euros a‍ month,⁤ beneficiaries received a ​15% reduction on tolls from their first to ‍22nd journey,‌ and an ‍impressive 80% off‌ for⁤ journeys 23 to 44. This was quite appealing compared to the Ulys electronic toll ⁣system. However, ⁤it seems that the perceived⁣ value may not have been enough to retain a larger⁣ user base.

Editor: Given these figures, what are⁢ the implications of scrapping such a long-standing system⁤ for ⁣the community and commuters?

Dr. Beaumont: The⁢ end of the ⁣Zap31 ⁢system‍ could lead to increased financial strain ‍on commuters‍ who relied on those toll ​reductions. Furthermore, ⁣it might discourage the ​use of public transportation or ‍carpooling, which align with reduced emissions goals. ‍If people find travel costs rising without the students’ subsidies, we could see a rise in solitary ⁣car travel—counterproductive to environmental ⁢efforts.

Editor: ⁢ You mentioned environmental goals. In light​ of this change, what alternative solutions could be implemented ‍to prioritize both commuter needs and sustainable transportation?

Dr. ⁣Beaumont: There are several avenues ​to explore! For starters,⁤ investing in more extensive public⁢ transportation services could relieve some pressure on individual drivers. ⁣Implementing flexible pricing strategies or discounts for⁤ carpooling and public‍ transport users would also encourage more sustainable travel. Additionally, community feedback sessions could help ⁣tailor ⁣a ‌new⁣ program more effectively to user ⁤needs.

Editor: ⁢Those strategies sound promising.⁢ how⁢ should the Department of Haute-Garonne ​communicate this transition to ensure‌ that users feel heard and supported?

Dr. Beaumont: ‌Effective‍ communication is crucial. This​ means‍ transparency about the reasons behind the ending of the system and offering alternative access solutions. Organizing town hall meetings to gather input, along with providing clear resources ⁣about other available options, ⁢would go a long way in ensuring users feel supported during this transition.

Editor: ⁤Thank ⁣you, Dr. ‍Beaumont, for‌ your ‍insights on this significant change in community transport policy. It’s a complex situation, and your expertise sheds light on the broader implications for commuters ⁤and sustainable travel.

Dr. Beaumont: Thank you! It was⁣ a pleasure discussing these⁢ critical issues with ‌you, and I hope we see positive ⁢developments in ⁢the future ‍for​ the commuters in Haute-Garonne.

Editor: Absolutely. We’ll‌ continue ⁢to follow this story‌ as it unfolds. Thank you again for joining us today!

You may also like

Leave a Comment