This article is an analysis of the steering mechanism of the 'Rapid Transit Network of the Lyon Metropolitan Area' (REAL), a project for organizing urban public transit intermodality in the urban area. As we re-examine one common interpretation of the 'project', we show that this type of collective action is not necessarily based on a shared vision, or on the existence of common interests. The results of this study highlight instead the importance of the steering mechanism to organize interinstitutional cooperation through processes that allow the management of competition between territorial administrations. The central role of the community of public transit technicians in the operation of this collective action process is also demonstrated. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.