France's 'Uber on Rails': Reviving Old Tracks for Green Transport

By Ciro Simone Irmici · February 11, 2026 ·Updated: February 11, 2026

A French company is transforming vans to run on disused railway lines, offering a sustainable, flexible transport solution and breathing new life into dormant infrastructure.

Key Takeaways

• A French company is transforming vans to run on railway tracks.
• This initiative targets 5,700 km of unused railway lines in France.
• The system is being called an 'Uber on rails' for its flexibility.
• It presents a novel approach to sustainable logistics and mobility.
• The project highlights the potential of reusing existing infrastructure for environmental benefit.

In an era demanding innovative solutions for sustainable transport and resource efficiency, a groundbreaking initiative in France is turning heads. By adapting commercial vans to navigate thousands of kilometers of unused railway lines, this project promises to revolutionize local logistics and passenger services, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional road-based travel and demonstrating a clever approach to green tech.

This ingenious 'Uber on rails' concept not only tackles environmental concerns by reducing road traffic and emissions but also breathes new life into neglected infrastructure, showcasing how smart adaptation can yield significant ecological and economic benefits.

TL;DR: Key Facts

• A French company is adapting standard vans to run on railway tracks.
• The initiative aims to revive approximately 5,700 kilometers of currently unused railway lines across France.
• The system is dubbed an 'Uber on rails,' suggesting flexibility and on-demand service.
• It offers a novel approach to sustainable transport and infrastructure reuse.

What Happened

A pioneering French company has embarked on an innovative project to convert conventional road vans into dual-mode vehicles capable of traveling on both roads and disused railway lines. This ambitious scheme seeks to reactivate an extensive network of small railway lines throughout France, which currently stands at an estimated 5,700 kilometers of unused track.

The core idea is to leverage this dormant infrastructure for a new form of flexible and sustainable transport. By equipping vans with specialized wheels and mechanisms that allow them to engage with railway tracks, the company envisions a future where goods and potentially passengers can move more efficiently and with a reduced environmental footprint, bypassing congested roads and utilizing existing national assets. This adaptation allows for a more versatile and eco-conscious logistical solution, tapping into the potential of forgotten transit routes.

Why It Matters

This 'Uber on rails' concept represents a significant leap forward in green tech and sustainable living. In a world grappling with carbon emissions from transport and the environmental impact of new infrastructure, reusing existing railway lines is a stroke of genius. It minimizes the need for costly and resource-intensive road construction or expansion, preserving natural landscapes while still expanding connectivity. This approach directly aligns with circular economy principles by repurposing assets that would otherwise sit idle and decay.

From a Green Tech perspective, the adaptation of standard vehicles for rail use demonstrates intelligent innovation. It's about optimizing existing technologies and infrastructure rather than always developing entirely new systems from scratch. This not only reduces the upfront investment but also makes the solution more accessible and scalable. Such flexible, hybrid transport systems can significantly cut down on fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions compared to road-based alternatives, especially for last-mile deliveries or connecting remote communities, making it a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and for promoting cleaner air.

Beyond environmental gains, this initiative can foster greater rural connectivity, provide new economic opportunities in regions previously underserved by transport links, and potentially reduce road traffic accidents. It offers a tangible model for how countries can creatively address their transport challenges while simultaneously advancing their sustainability goals and breathing new life into forgotten assets, turning them into vital arteries for a greener future.

What You Can Do

• Advocate for Infrastructure Reuse: Research similar disused railway lines or infrastructure in your own region and support initiatives focused on repurposing them for sustainable uses.
• Support Sustainable Transport: Prioritize using public transport, cycling, or walking. If such rail-van services emerge, consider them for freight or travel.
• Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Look for ways to lessen your reliance on personal vehicles, such as carpooling or exploring electric vehicle options where available.
• Educate and Share: Inform your community about innovative green tech solutions like the 'Uber on rails' project to raise awareness and inspire local action.
• Engage with Policy Makers: Encourage local and national governments to invest in sustainable transport infrastructure and research into repurposing existing assets.
• Choose Eco-conscious Logistics: As a consumer, support businesses that demonstrate efforts towards sustainable supply chains and green logistics solutions.

FAQs

Q: How do these adapted vans switch between road and rail?

A: While the exact mechanism isn't detailed, such systems typically involve retractable rail wheels that can be lowered when on tracks and raised when transitioning back to roads, allowing the vehicle to operate in a dual-mode capacity.

Q: What kind of cargo or passengers can these rail-vans carry?

A: Since they are adapted commercial vans, they would primarily be suited for light to medium freight, parcel delivery, and potentially small groups of passengers, offering flexible transport options for various local needs.

Q: Is this system safe and how does it integrate with existing rail networks?

A: Any such system would need to adhere to stringent railway safety standards and regulations. Integration would likely be limited to dedicated, disused lines to avoid conflicts with active mainline rail traffic, ensuring a secure operating environment.

Sources

This article is based on reporting by Euronews Green.

Original source

Euronews Green