New bus operators selected for Île-de-France Mobilités’ public transport network

Île-de-France Mobilités has announced that it has awarded four new contracts for the operation of its public transport services in the region.

As part of the first two contracts, Transdev has been appointed to operate the bus lines serving the Cœur d’Essonne urban community – which consists of 37 bus lines and one transport on-demand (TàD) service – and to operate 35 bus lines serving the urban heart of the Urban Community of Versailles Grand Parc. These public service delegation contracts will begin on 1 August 2023 for periods of six years and five years respectively.

In addition, Keolis has been awarded the contract for the operation of 39 bus lines and one transport on-demand (TàD) service serving the North and East of the Roissy Pays de France urban community. Beginning on 1 August 2023, this public service delegation contract will last for a period of five years.

Finally, Île-de-France Mobilités has awarded Lacroix-Savac the public contract for the operation of 22 bus lines and eight transport on-demand (TàD) services in the territory of the Briard plateau, in the department of Seine-et-Marne, as well as special school circuits in the Plateau Briard area. This contract will also begin on 1 August 2023 for a period of four years.

Guaranteeing network performance in a fast-changing sector

The award of these contracts had been validated by the Île-de-France Mobilités Board at its meeting on 6 March 2023, as part of the consultation procedures that had been launched from 2019 on 36 lots of bus lines in the Ile-de-France Mobilités public transport network.

Île-de-France Mobilités is implementing a competition for bus networks in the outer suburbs, in line with European regulations, which will eventually apply to all modes of public transport with service obligations, including the historic metro network in 2039. 

The department has emphasised particular attention to improving travel conditions for Ile-de-France residents, in the specifications for each of the 36 lots that have been put out to tender. These specifications include requirements relating to both a more efficient transport offer, an improvement in the regularity of buses, investments in energy transition and a large place for innovation (in particular on passenger information).

Furthermore, Île-de-France Mobilités has encouraged candidate operators to submit offers reflecting a better balance between the objectives of quality and economic performance on the one hand and the social conditions for carrying out the public service on the other.