The line starts at Aulnay-sous-Bois and features two branches, with the first running to Bondy opened 20 November and the second running to Montfermeil opened 14 December and 31 August It is the result of the transformation and installation of a double-track on the Bondy to Aulnay-sous-Bois line, or ligne des Coquetiers "Egg Cup Line" , which opened in It thus became the first French tram-train line, an event whose true significance emerged during plans to expand it into a tramway and integrate it into the urban transport network.
The "Egg Cup Line" fell into disuse because of the line's limited area and lacklustre service, which caused many traffic problems at its rail crossings. In , the SNCF implemented some changes to reduce closure times at rail crossings and increase train frequency during rush hour a train every fifteen minutes between Bondy and Gargan and every thirty minutes between Gargan and Aulnay-sous-Bois.
However, they failed to make the line more appealing to potential users, who remained uninterested because of its insufficient service level and the excessive length of the train's route. The line was thus shut down in December for major renovations to transform it into a hybrid between a train and an urban tramway: the tram-train.
The development of the tram-train concept inspired plans to reinvigorate the ligne des Coquetiers using this system that seemed ideal. It solved the problems caused by the rail crossings by transforming them into simple road junctions.
It reduced disruptions in the urban landscape and expanded the use of trams in urban transportation all while greatly increasing service. This technology was finally adopted, and in the SNCF called for European tenders for the trains and cars. The work aimed to: [ 5 ]. The evolution toward urban transport modes was accompanied by physical modifications to the rail line by:.
