{{short description|Transit line in Lausanne, Switzerland}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Infobox rail line | name = Lausanne Metro Line M2 | color = | logo = Logo du M2 de Lausanne.svg | logo_width = 60px | logo_alt = | image = Metro M2 Lausanne.jpg | image_width = | image_alt = | caption = A Line M2 train near [[Grancy station]] | type = [[Rubber-tyred metro]] | system = [[Lausanne Metro]] | status = | locale = [[Vaud]], [[Switzerland]] | start = [[Métro Lausanne–Ouchy|Ouchy]] | end = Les Croisettes | stations = 14 | routes = | daily_ridership = 75,615 (average, 2013) | ridership2 = {{Plainlist| * 31.5 million (2018)<ref name="MetroBrochure10"/> * 28 million (2014)<ref name=Plan2015/> * 27.6 million (2013)<ref name=Key-figs>{{cite web |url=http://www.t-l.ch/decouvrez/chiffres-de-reference.html |title=Chiffres clé 2013 |publisher=[[Transports publics de la région lausannoise]] (TL) |language=fr |trans-title=Key figures 2013 |year=2013 |access-date=21 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513195529/http://t-l.ch/decouvrez/chiffres-de-reference.html |archive-date=13 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> }} | open = {{start date and age| 2008}} | close = | owner = | operator = [[Transports publics de la région lausannoise|TL]] | character = | depot = | stock = 18 2-car [[MP 89 TL]] trains | linelength = {{convert|5.9|km|mi|abbr=on}}<ref name=Key-figs/> | tracklength = | tracks = | gauge = {{RailGauge|sg|allk=on}}<br />with [[running pad]]s for the [[rubber]]<br />[[tire]]d [[wheel]]s outside of the [[Rail profile|steel rails]] | old_gauge = | load_gauge = | minradius = | racksystem = | routenumber = | electrification = | speed = | elevation = | website = | map = {{Lausanne Metro Line M2}} | map_state = collapsed }} '''Lausanne Metro Line M2''' is a [[Rapid transit|metro]] line which runs between Ouchy-Olympique and Croisettes. The second line of the [[Lausanne Metro]], it is {{convert|5.9|km|mi}} long {{citation needed|reason=This contradicts a well-cited figure of 6.5km lower down in the article|date=February 2015}} and uses the alignment of the former [[Métro Lausanne-Ouchy|Lausanne-Ouchy railway]], plus a new route towards [[Epalinges]], crossing the whole city of Lausanne from north to south. Construction work (including enabling works) took around 4 years,<ref name=M2Timeline>{{cite web|url=http://www.lausanne.ch/lausanne-en-bref/lausanne-demain/mobilite/axes-forts/metro-m2/chronologie.html|title=Chronologie - Site officiel de la Ville de Lausanne|language=fr|trans-title=Timeline - Official site of the City of Lausanne|access-date=19 August 2014|archive-date=16 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140716035119/http://lausanne.ch/lausanne-en-bref/lausanne-demain/mobilite/axes-forts/metro-m2/chronologie.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and brought significant rebuilds of all former [[Métro Lausanne-Ouchy]] stations, plus involved moving the platforms at [[Lausanne-Flon station]] a short distance further north<ref name="RailwayTechReview">{{cite web |url=http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/lausanne/ |title=Lausanne Metro m2, Switzerland |website=Railway-Technology.com |access-date=19 August 2014}}</ref> to give [[cross-platform interchange]] from northbound M2 to the [[Lausanne-Echallens-Bercher railway]]. The new line opened in autumn 2008.<ref name=M2Timeline/>
== Technical == [[File:Chantier-M2-01.jpg|thumb|left|The M2 under construction on the stretch of the former Métro-Ouchy]] The line is not entirely underground, but the majority (70-90%) of the system is in a tunnel.<ref name=RailwayTechReview/><ref name=RailwayTechAug08>{{cite web |url=http://www.railway-technology.com/news/news41249.html |title=Lausanne Subway Prepares to Handle Passengers |date=28 August 2008 |access-date=19 August 2014 |publisher=Railway Technology |archive-date=19 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819155728/http://www.railway-technology.com/news/news41249.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The line is steeply sloped, with an average incline of 5.7%, and as steep as 12% in some places.<ref name=LausanneM2Network>{{cite web|url=http://www.lausanne.ch/lausanne-en-bref/lausanne-demain/mobilite/axes-forts/metro-m2/un-reseau-performant.html|title=Un réseau performant - Site officiel de la Ville de Lausanne|language=fr|trans-title=A performing network - Official site of the City of Lausanne|access-date=19 August 2014}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> A [[Rubber-tyred metro|rubber-tyred]] [[rapid transit|metro]] was selected to counter these, the steepest slopes of any similar adhesion-worked system in the world.<ref name=RailwayTechReview/> The constraints in braking distance and deceleration are such that the M2 can travel faster upwards than downwards.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}} [[File:M2-Lausanne-Gare1.jpg|thumb|left|The M2 Lausanne Gare station showing one of the steeply graded platforms.]]
The regular passenger route is {{convert|6.5|km|mi}}<ref name=LausanneM2Network/> in length from [[Ouchy]] to [[Epalinges]], including {{convert|1.5|km|mi|abbr=on}} of line that replaces the former Lausanne-Ouchy railway. There are 14 stations on the line, which makes a {{convert|338|m|ft|abbr=on}} [[Grade (slope)|vertical gain]].<ref name=LausanneM2Network/> An additional {{convert|2|km|mi}} of track is contained within the depot at Vennes, along with the signalling, security and information facilities.<ref name=RailwayTechReview/>
The line is entirely automated, managed from a central command station. This means that it is cheaper to operate<ref name=RailwayTechReview/> than a traditional system with drivers, and more flexible{{dubious|date=February 2015}} during peak hours. The stations are equipped with [[platform screen doors]] and dedicated station personnel are on hand to assist passengers. In contrast with [[Lausanne Metro Line M1|Line M1]], trains also run on a totally separate [[right of way]], meaning there is no conflict between the surface traffic and the metro, enhancing safety and reliability compared to a tramway. All new sections of the route were built as double track, plus the reused Lausanne-Ouchy alignment was also rebuilt as double-track, with the exception of the tunnel under the CFF station due to high costs. This leads to increased capacity and less potential for knock-on delays.
=== Performance === The line opened in 2008 with a designed capacity of 25 million passengers/year, but exceeded this with 27.6 million by 2013,<ref name=Key-figs/> and 28 million in 2014.<ref name=Plan2015>{{cite web|url=http://www.bicweb.vd.ch/communique.aspx?pObjectID=508126|title=Des métros au coeur des transports publics du canton : un plan de développement des m2 et m3|language=fr|publisher=[[Canton of Vaud]]|access-date=20 February 2015|archive-date=20 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220201141/http://www.bicweb.vd.ch/communique.aspx?pObjectID=508126|url-status=dead}}</ref> As of February 2015, overcrowding is now a significant problem, and the state has granted significant funds towards a programme which will improve capacity by running extra trains and building additional tracks.<ref name=Plan2015/> Patronage has continued to rise, with 31.5 million passengers carried in 2018.<ref name="MetroBrochure10">{{Citation|url=https://www.axes-forts.ch/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Metros_brochure_A4_PROD_PP_Web.pdf|title=Axes Forts - Développement des métros automatiques m2-m3|page=10|language=fr|publisher=Agglomération Lausanne-Morges|date=May 2019|access-date=21 November 2019}}</ref>
Trains travel up to every 3 minutes<ref name=LausanneM2Network/> between the main railway station and [[Sallaz station|Sallaz]], with trains every 6 minutes along the rest of the line. The trains travel with a top service speed of {{convert|60|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} top speed,<ref name=LausanneM2Network/> taking 18 minutes to travel the full length of the line. The line was designed for up to 6,600 passengers/hour in each direction.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}}
== Stations == [[File:M2-Ouchy-train-arrive+track.jpg|thumb|[[Ouchy]] M2 station, showing a train stabled on a closed platform 'not in use' and another train approaching in the distance. As this station is the end of line, the [[Track (rail transport)|track]] end, is also visible.]] [[File:Metro Lausanne M2 2009 Trace.svg|thumb|Route of the M2]] The underground stations are located as close as possible to the surface. They are equipped with stairs, lifts and facilities for handicapped people. The Lausanne slopes have been used to create multi-level access, make ramp access easier<ref name=RailwayTechReview/> and take advantage of natural light as much as possible. At {{stn|Lausanne-Flon}}, there are connections to [[Lausanne Metro Line M1|Metro Line M1]] and the R20 service of [[Lausanne–Bercher line|leb]]. At [[Lausanne railway station]], the line connects to regional train services of [[RER Vaud]] and long-distance trains of [[Swiss Federal Railways]] (CFF) and [[TGV Lyria]].
{| class="wikitable" ! Station ! Altitude ! New/existing ! Situation ! Stopping time ! Connections |- | [[Ouchy–Olympique station|Ouchy–Olympique]]<ref>In 2015, the metro station "[[Ouchy]]" was renamed "Ouchy-olympique" to mark the 100th anniversary of the installation of the [[International Olympic Committee]] in Lausanne.</ref> || 373 m (1,224 ft) || existing || Outdoors || 70 sec |- | Jordils || 392 m (1,286 ft) || existing || Outdoors || 25 sec || |- | Délices || 408 m (1,339 ft) || new || Indoors || 25 sec || |- | Montriond || 420 m (1,378 ft) || deleted || Outdoors || - || |- | Grancy || 425 m (1,394 ft) || new || Outdoors || 25 sec || |- | [[Lausanne railway station]] || 451 m (1,480 ft) || existing || Underground || 35 sec || {{ric|RER Vaud|R1}} {{ric|RER Vaud|R2}} {{ric|RER Vaud|R3}} {{ric|RER Vaud|R4}} {{ric|RER Vaud|R5}} {{ric|RER Vaud|R6}} {{ric|RER Vaud|R9}} {{ric|Swiss Federal Railways}} {{ric|TGV Lyria}} |- | [[Lausanne-Flon station|Lausanne-Flon]] || 473 m (1,552 ft) || existing || Underground || 35 sec || {{ric|Lausanne Métro|1}} {{ric|LEB|R20}} |- | Riponne - [[Maurice Béjart]] || 492 m (1,614 ft) || new || Underground || 35 sec || |- | [[Bessières station|Bessières]] || 500 m (1,640 ft) || new || Underground || 25 sec || |- | [[Ours station|Ours]] || 517 m (1,696 ft) || new || Underground || 35 sec || |- | [[CHUV station|CHUV]] || 570 m (1,870 ft) || new || Underground || 35 sec || |- | [[Sallaz station|Sallaz]] || 610 m (2,001 ft) || new || Indoors || 35 sec || |- | [[Fourmi station|Fourmi]] || 651 m (2,136 ft) || new || Underground || 25 sec || |- | [[Vennes station|Vennes]] || 683 m (2,241 ft) || new || Underground || 25 sec || |- | [[Croisettes station|Croisettes]] || 711 m (2,333 ft) || new || Underground || 70 sec || |}
== Rolling stock == [[Image:Bogie-metro-Meteor-p1010692.jpg|thumb|[[Mockup]] of a bogie of a M2 train]] *[[Articulated vehicle]]s with 4 powered bogies.<ref name=RailwayTechReview/> *15 two-car trainsets.<ref name=RailwayTechReview/> *222 passengers, 62 seated.<ref name=RailwayTechReview/> *[[Rubber-tyred metro]] with lateral guidance based on the [[MP 89]] from [[Paris Métro]].<ref name=Bradt258>{{Cite book |first=Anthony|last=Lambert |title=Switzerland without a Car |publisher=[[Bradt Travel Guides]] |edition=5 |page=258 |isbn=978-1841624471 |year=2013 }}</ref> *Fully automated ([[CBTC Alstom Urbalis 300]]).
=== Technical data of the trains === *Length of a train : {{convert|30,680|mm|ftin|1|abbr=on|frac=16}} *Length of a car : {{convert|15,340|mm|ftin|1|abbr=on|frac=16}} *Width of a car : {{convert|2,450|mm|ftin|2|abbr=on|frac=16}}<!-- 7 ft was delightful nonsense --> *Height of the car to ground level<!-- Top of rail? -->: {{convert|3,470|mm|ftin|2|abbr=on|frac=16}} *Mass of an empty train : {{convert|57,316|kg|lb|abbr=on}} *Mass of a train at maximum load (4 p/m<sup>2</sup>) : {{convert|72,856|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (<sup>1</sup>) *Width of the access doors : {{convert|1,650|mm|ftin|2|abbr=on|frac=16}} *Height of the access doors : {{convert|1,900|mm|ftin|2|abbr=on|frac=16}}
(<sup>1</sup>) Calculated with an average of {{convert|70|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} per passenger.
{| class="wikitable" |+ Capacity of the trains |- ! ! Number of passengers/m<sup>2</sup> ! Passengers per train |- | Nominal load || 4 pax/m<sup>2</sup> || 222<ref name=RailwayTechReview/> |- | Full load || 6 pax/m<sup>2</sup> || 314 |- | Maximum load || 8 pax/m<sup>2</sup> || 406 |}
=== Delivery of the trains === The first train was delivered to Lausanne on 2 March 2006<ref name=M2Timeline/> and all the other trains were delivered at a rate of two per month. When they arrived, the trains were stored in the [[Swiss Federal Railways|CFF]] storage of Lausanne. Once the métro's depot had been completed, the vehicles were moved to the Vennes facility by the Autumn of 2006.
With the line having been over its design capacity for at least 2 years,<ref name=Key-figs/><ref name=Plan2015/> the state granted funds for 3 additional metro trainsets in February 2015. The vehicles are being built in [[Valenciennes]] by [[Alstom]], who also built the original fleet, and are designed to be identical to the existing [[rolling stock]].<ref name=RTmay15>{{cite web|url=http://www.railway-technology.com/news/newsalstom-to-deliver-three-additional-metros-for-lausanne-line-m2-by-2017-4571401/|title=Alstom to deliver three additional metros for Lausanne Line M2 by 2017|date=6 May 2015|publisher=Railway Technology|access-date=28 May 2015}}</ref> The new vehicles, which are due to arrive in Lausanne by mid-2017,<ref name=RTmay15/> are an interim solution to raise capacity on the central section of the line. Capacity between [[Lausanne railway station|Lausanne-gare]] and Sallaz<ref name=Plan2015/> stations will rise from 5,600 passengers per hour (each way) to 7,000 passengers per hour (each way) when they enter service in the last 3 months<ref name=RTmay15/> of 2017. The longer-term plan, for which funding is now also in place, involves a new double-track tunnel under the railway station.<ref name=Plan2015/>
== Accidents == On 23 February 2005, part of the tunnel under construction collapsed under the ''Saint-Laurent'' square in the centre of [[Lausanne]]. More than 500 m<sup>3</sup> of debris (water and earth) fell into the tunnel, forming a huge fifteen metre gap. The area was completely evacuated for a few days and consolidation and geological analysis work started. A large pocket of water had not been noticed during the initial explorations.
Repair work lasted for a few months. The incident fortunately had no major consequence; nobody was in the area of the collapse which had heavily damaged a shopping mall. Part of the budget had been allocated for such risks and the deadline for the construction in December 2008 was not directly affected.
On 27 October 2006, a construction worker died from injuries. He had fallen a few days before on the construction site at the level of the entrance of the [[University Hospital of Lausanne|University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV)]].
On 28 July 2008, a high-level manager for [[Alstom]] who had responsibility for the security system for the new lines was found hanging in the stairwell at the entrance to the Vennes station of the M2. The 45-year-old French man's death appeared to have been a suicide.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lausanne.ch/view.asp?DocId=29628 |title=[Dead link] |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927014353/http://www.lausanne.ch/view.asp?DocId=29628 |archive-date=27 September 2011 }}</ref>
== Extensions and development ==
=== New Lausanne-Gare section === The state has granted funds for major development of the Métro system, with plans in place for improvement work until 2025. Development on the m2 line will also provide for the future of a line 3. Capacity improvement is currently limited to the central and northern sections of the line, because the tunnel under the main railway station is only [[single track (rail)|single-track]]. Funding is now in place to build a new double-track tunnel under the railway station, and relocate the métro station closer to the main-line platforms. This will mean extra capacity is available on the whole line, and will leave the original tunnel and 2006 station available for the planned [[Lausanne Metro#Line M3|Line M3]].<ref name=Plan2015/> As of October 2019, a further public scrutiny project is underway, and work to build the new tunnel and platforms is due to start in 2022, with the new route expected to be operational in 2027.<ref name="24heures24Oct">{{cite news|url=https://www.24heures.ch/vaud-regions/lausanne-region/premier-troncon-metro-m3-mis-enquete/story/13579545|title=Lausanne:Le premier tronçon du métro m3 mis à l'enquête|language=fr|author=Emmanuelle Birraux|publisher=[[24 heures (Switzerland)|24 heures]]|date=24 October 2019|access-date=21 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025202047/https://www.24heures.ch/vaud-regions/lausanne-region/premier-troncon-metro-m3-mis-enquete/story/13579545|archive-date=25 October 2019}}</ref>
=== Northward extension === The end station Les Croisettes has been designed to allow a future extension of the line to the north<ref name=RailwayTechReview/> towards Epalinges-Village, or even [[Le Chalet-à-Gobet]].
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Lausanne}} {{Urban public transport in Switzerland}} {{Portal bar|Transport|Switzerland}}
[[Category:Lausanne Metro]] [[Category:Transport in Lausanne]]