Dépôt TPG de La Jonction

Tucked away at the Pointe de la Jonction, where the Rhône and Arve rivers meet, sits the Dépôt TPG de La Jonction. This isn’t just another depot. It’s a place brimming with history, a silent witness to Geneva’s evolution. The Dépôt TPG de La Jonction opened its doors in 1900. It originally served as the headquarters for the Compagnie Genevoise des Tramways Électriques (CGTE). It housed trams, trolleybuses, and buses, a bustling hub of public transport. The very architecture whispers tales of a bygone era, designed by Charles Schmidt. In 1902, the Dépôt TPG de La Jonction became the epicenter of Switzerland’s first general strike. Workers demanding better wages occupied the site. The strike lasted three days, drawing support from nearly 15,000 workers. It ultimately ended with the intervention of the Swiss army. Over the years, the Dépôt TPG de La Jonction adapted to the changing needs of the city. A covered bus depot was added in 1966. A major restructuring took place in 1995. The workshops and trolleybus storage were rebuilt. This modernization ensured the depot could continue its vital role. The Dépôt TPG de La Jonction remained the sole depot until 1936. With the acquisition of the Genève – Veyrier railway company, a second depot became available in Veyrier. In 1992, the opening of the Bachet-de-Pesay depot marked a significant shift. The headquarters and tram operations moved to the new location. The Dépôt TPG de La Jonction then focused primarily on trolleybuses. The site, hemmed in by its location and approaching capacity, could not expand further. Its right of superficies was also set to expire. In 2020, the new En Chardon depot in Vernier began operations. Buses were relocated there. This move freed up space at the Dépôt TPG de La Jonction. This opened the door for an exciting new chapter: the transformation of part of the site into a public park. The Pointe de la Jonction will soon boast a vibrant green space where the old bus depot once stood. The Dépôt TPG de La Jonction, once a hub of transport, is becoming a place of recreation. It’s a testament to Geneva’s ability to blend its past with its future.