Keolis selected by Île-de-France Mobilités as the new operator for 42 bus lines in the Marne and Brie area starting in 2025
Keolis is honoured to have been awarded Île-de-France Mobilités’ concession contract (DSP) 9, a key part of the ongoing competitive tendering process for the Paris region’s bus lines which began in 2019.
This contract will entail managing bus lines serving 1,215 stops across 33 municipalities in the Marne and Brie area, located in the east of the Île-de-France region. This makes Keolis the first third-party operator of bus lines in immediate Paris suburbs.
The contract, spanning eight years and valued at 900 million euros, covers the operation of six bus operations centres and 42 bus lines serving municipalities such as Chelles, Pontault-Combault, Noisy-le-Grand, Clichy-sous-Bois, and Montfermeil in the departments of Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, and Seine-et-Marne, benefiting 557,000 residents.
A powerful commitment towards the mobility of the Île-de-France population and the energy transition
As the new operator of the Marne and Brie bus lines with a fleet of 350 vehicles, Keolis has undertaken to enhance service quality and passenger experience to improve the network’s appeal, particularly through improved service regularity and passenger information.
Furthermore, to provide an increasingly sustainable mobility offering and meet the energy transition targets set by Île-de-France Mobilités, Keolis will commence energy conversion works at four of the area’s bus operations centres from the start of the contract, to enable the operation of electric and CNG vehicles.
A phased roll-out for a smooth transition
The contract implementation will take place in two phases: from 1 August 2025, Keolis will begin operating the outer-suburban (“grande couronne”) lines, followed by the inner-suburban (petite couronne) lines from 1 November 2025.
To ensure a seamless and harmonious transition, Keolis will work closely with Île-de-France Mobilités and the current operators, guaranteeing continuity of service for passengers. Keolis will also leverage its expertise in technical and social transitions to deliver smooth network operations from day one.
Tailored support for every employee and an attractive social package
As part of this concession contract, a new dedicated entity will be formed to welcome 1,100 employees, including 900 drivers. Keolis has acquired robust expertise in taking over large-scale networks, offering personalised support for each employee, ensuring continuity in terms of pay and providing an attractive social package. Additionally, the company plans to recruit new employees from 2025 to reinforce existing teams and support network growth.
Towards a new momentum in public transport in Île-de-France
This new contract in Île-de-France is a continuation of Keolis' projects in the region, which include the management of Saint-Denis Pleyel station and the operation of metro lines 16, 17, and 18. With the award of DSP 9, Keolis strengthens its foothold in the Greater Paris region and furthers its ambition to provide a sustainable, innovative, efficient, and safe public transport service tailored to the needs of Île-de-France’s communities and residents.
