A group of socialist elected officials has formally requested an description from the President of the European Metropolis of Lille (MEL) regarding the repeated and significant breakdowns affecting the Lille metro system. The demand follows a series of disruptive incidents that have sparked concerns about the metro’s reliability.

In an open letter to President Damien Castelain, dated Wednesday, May 28, the officials voiced their concerns over what they described as an “image of the Drunned Public Service” and a “blow to the national and international notoriety of the metropolis.” They are seeking “clear explanations” and “tangible answers” regarding the recent metro disruptions.

the letter highlights that on May 24,despite network manager Ilevia’s announcement of strengthened services to accommodate the Pride marche and a Bruce Springsteen concert at the Pierre Mauroy stadium,Line 1 of the metro was paralyzed from noon. Later that evening, Line 2 also experienced a technical incident.

The letter, signed by Audrey Linkeheld, a Lille socialist senator and president of the PS-DVG opposition group, urges President Castelain to summon Ilevia before the Metropolitan Assembly. The aim is to obtain detailed explanations regarding the malfunctions, a complete assessment of the network’s current state, and an evaluation of the rolling stock management decisions made in recent years.

“We must understand what led to this dead end and draw all the consequences for the future,” the letter states. It is co-signed by Arnaud Deslandes, mayor of Lille and vice-president of the metropolis; Olivier Carelle, mayor of Lomme; and Franck Gherbi, mayor of Hellemmes.

Demand for Obvious Public Information

“It is high time that our concessionaire is accountable before the metropolitan meeting.”

The elected officials are also calling for the development of “real dialog tools towards users,” emphasizing the need for transparency and timely information during disruptions.

“Tools that are both clearer and more precise that really allow users in real time and especially during crisis situations,and not a communication that is limited to a few posts on social networks or closed grids,” they continue.

The Ilevia network’s reliability is set to be tested again wiht another influx of visitors expected this weekend, as singer Soprano is scheduled to perform at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium as part of his Freedom Tour.The network had previously assured service to the Grand Stade for Bruce Springsteen’s second concert on May 27.