Keolis secures a new contract in Nîmes

Nîmes Métropole has awarded Keolis the contract to operate the Tango public transport network. The contract will begin on 1 July 2024 and run for six and a half years, generating total revenue of €314 million.

Keolis will support Nîmes Métropole in its commitment to public transport and the energy transition. The new contract includes the launch of a BRT line (tram’bus), a new transport-on-demand service, adapting the depots to use new energy sources and installing solar panels.

The Nîmes Métropole local authority has approved the choice of Keolis as the new delegated body responsible for operating urban public transport. The Tango network, which serves 39 municipalities, will continue its development with the launch of a new T5 “tram’bus” line in 2025 and the extension of the current T4 line in 2027. To increase the network’s attractiveness, Keolis is committed to increasing the service speed of the BRT lines and extending its coverage, deploying a dynamic transport-on-demand service for the hospital, the main economic centres and the TGV stations, including night-time services. From January 2025, it will be possible to book this service up to an hour before departure.

Extending the city’s commitment to sustainable mobility, work to adapt its vehicles for the energy transition will be amplified. With support from Keolis, the target is to achieve a fleet in which 86% of vehicles will use alternative fuels by 2030, with a mix of electric and biogas-powered vehicles, together with all the diesel vehicles converted to biofuel. The fleet’s transition will reduce CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030.

To support the local authority’s ambitions, Keolis has also produced an ambitious plan to renovate buildings, which will help to reduce their electricity consumption by 60% by 2029. The transport operator will support the city by adapting depots to new energy sources and installing over 4,700 m of sunshades equipped with solar panels at the bus and light vehicle park.

To facilitate access to the network and enhance the passenger experience, Keolis will roll out an Open Payment system across the whole network by 2025, together with a mobile sales office that will set out to meet residents and tourists throughout the area.

These initiatives, together with a proactive, personalised plan to win and retain new customers, will help to increase passenger numbers by more than 21% over the course of the contract.