Amiens Métropole reappoints Keolis as operator of the Ametis transport network for a six-year term

Amiens Métropole has demonstrated its continued trust in Keolis by awarding the group a new six-year contract to operate and manage the Ametis transport network. Effective from 1 January 2025, this €245 million contract reflects a shared ambition: to deliver sustainable, innovative, and ever more efficient mobility for the 180,000 residents of the greater city community and its visitors.

Since 2019, Keolis has supported Amiens Métropole in transforming and modernising the Ametis network by implementing innovative initiatives to enhance the passenger experience:

• The launch of France’s first fully electric bus rapid transit (BRT) network in 2019, consisting of four lines and 43 articulated buses, marked a major milestone. Operating daily from 4 a.m. to midnight, with buses running approximately every 10 minutes, this service provides a low-carbon, convenient and attractive mobility solution.

• The introduction of Open Payment in 2021 has allowed passengers to use their bank cards as tickets, simplifying access to the network while reducing its environmental footprint by minimising paper ticket use. Today, 46% of occasional ticket revenue on the network comes from Open Payment, ensuring both fluidity and convenience.

Amiens Métropole, home to over 30,000 students, key economic zones, and major projects such as the high-speed rail link to Paris-CDG airport, requires a transport network that is efficient, sustainable, and adaptable to urban development.

As part of this new contract, Keolis will continue to offer a wide range of transport services, including the four Nemo BRT lines, 14 local lines adapted to the specific needs of municipalities, 13 school bus lines, and eight on-demand transport lines (ODT). Altogether, 39 municipalities will benefit from nearly 790 stops across the city region.

School transport is given special attention, with Tempo lines operated using coaches that enhance children’s safety. Additionally, the Zenbus application allows real-time vehicle tracking, providing reassurance to pupils and their families.

In keeping with its commitment to sustainable mobility, Keolis will further develop the network, relying on a modern and diversified fleet comprising 43 articulated electric buses, four electric shuttles, and 102 combustion engine powered buses, including 32 bio-CNG buses introduced in 2024. The transition to CNG (compressed natural gas) will continue throughout the contract, with 40 new buses to be added.

Furthermore, the contract provides for the provision of a fleet of 2,900 bicycles, including nearly 2,000 electric-assisted models. The rental and fleet management process will be modernised with a new software solution, and anti-theft measures will be strengthened through bicycle geolocation.

Over the next six years, Amiens Métropole aims to significantly increase Ametis network ridership, targeting 17.3 million annual trips.

To achieve this goal, Keolis is committed to implementing several concrete measures:

• An improved passenger experience through expanded real-time travel information and improved signage to encourage intermodal travel;

• A modernised on-demand transport booking app with real-time vehicle tracking;

• A new, simpler, more user-friendly and secure e-shop.

With this new contract, Keolis will continue to support Amiens Métropole’s strategic projects to make Ametis a model of sustainable, safe, accessible, and modern mobility aligned with passenger expectations and the community’s attractiveness.