From cohesion to contestation: Transit-Oriented Development in the asymmetrical Greater Geneva metropolis

Abstract

This paper critically examines the paradoxes of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) implementation in the asymmetric cross-border context of Great Geneva, focusing on the case study of the Tram des Nations. TOD, widely recognized as a planning strategy for sustainable metropolitan growth, faces unique challenges in cross-border regions characterized by socio-economic and institutional disparities. While TOD in the Great Geneva is framed within a discourse of territorial cohesion, its implementation reveals the persistence of structural asymmetries, including governance fragmentation and imbalances in planning capacities, citizen engagement, and socio-economic conditions. The study traces the evolution of cross-border collaboration in the Great Geneva region, highlighting the shifting ambitions, from functional labor market integration to aspirations of territorial cohesion. Through qualitative analysis of policy documents, stakeholder interviews, and conflicts surrounding the Tram des Nations, the paper underscores the tensions between regional planning visions and local realities. The findings reveal that TOD strategies deepen center-periphery divides, intensifying socio-spatial specialization and reinforcing perceptions of metropolitan subordination. The paper concludes by reflecting on the limitations of current TOD governance framework, arguing for a fundamental rethinking of planning approaches to address structural asymmetries and advance more inclusive and sustainable cross-border development.