Welcome to the website of the Friends of the Gray Railway Star Association
A brief introduction...
In the not-so-distant past, Gray experienced strong rail activity, being the location where several lines converged, giving this rail network its name: the Star of Gray.
Fast-forward to present day, where the freight rail activity still holds significance due to the presence of large grain cooperative facilities.
Further, the old CFTA workshops used in the steam locomotive era have evolved into modern maintenance shops owned by SOCORAIL co. and are still in business today.
Passenger traffic has disappeared and has been replaced by bus service.
Gray benefits from a strategic geographical location!
In the past, Gray's railway station was on the route of many trains operating between Dijon and Vesoul. Ever since its conception, this transversal railway line forming part of the Dijon-Nancy axis was used in a double track configuration. Due to this strategic nature, as of now the right of way is preserved and can once again see the booming traffic of the glory days, like a Phoenix reborn from its ashes.
In many regions, the resurgence of rail has enabled the redevelopment of economic activity.
Nowadays is observed a non negligible trend in looking for ways to reduce carbon footprints. Notably by the transportation sector.
Accordingly, the use of rail transportation is increasingly sought after by companies.
Due to its increased flexibility, Local Freight Operator service has significantly improved and is in a competitive situation vis-à-vis road transportation.
The current line from Villers les Pots to Gray is classified as VUTR (Single track Line with Restricted Traffic).
A simple modification of these lines' traffic regulations would render feasible passenger train operations to return on these routes which often hide significant and neglected potential.
As a first step, special tourist train operations would allow for the rediscovery of the benefits of rail transportion.
In numerous regions, the will of the public authorities is to open up isolated places by the reintroduction of rail.
Several examples in France demonstrate that the revival of rail also allows an economical and touristic rebirth.
Rail activity can continue to grow in Gray!
Today several projects currently exist.
Freight activity is grounded not only on Fret SNCF but also on the presence of numerous PFOs (Proximity Freight Operators).
The diversity of the new transport service offer now allows companies to focus on rail rather than road transport.
Several local OFPs are able to assume the return of rail transport to the Gray region.