From 2026, users of the Tadao network will no longer pay for the bus in 150 municipalities in the agglomeration of Lens-Liévin, Hénin-Carvin and Béthune-Bruay. The decision was voted by the elected representatives of Artois Mobiliés.
No cars in the mining basin, but free public transport. From 2026, users of the Tadao network will no longer pay for the bus in 150 municipalities in the Lens-Liévin, Hénin-Carvin and Béthune-Bruay urban area. This decision was validated on Tuesday, June 25 by the elected representatives of Artois Mobilités.
“The elected representatives of Artois Mobilités voted this afternoon, during the union committee, to make the TADAO network completely free from January 1, 2026. This means that nearly 650,000 inhabitants will be able to travel for free in a territory of nearly 1,000 km²”, it is specified on the Artois Mobilités website.
“The largest public transport network in France”
With this measure, elected officials hope in particular to reduce the number of personal vehicles on the roads and therefore reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the purchasing power of the region’s inhabitants.
“Artois Mobilités therefore becomes the largest public transport network in France to offer completely free transport”, affirms the organization, which hopes “logically to encourage the approximately 650,000 inhabitants of the territory to increased use of public transport which mechanically should reduce road congestion and improve air quality.
Elected officials from Artois Mobilités specify that they are working “as of now” on taking charge of subscriptions by the respective urban areas.
In Dunkirk, buses became free in 2018. In 2023, 75,000 people took the bus, including many motorists who have changed their habits since transport became free. According to a study carried out by an association, 28% of users have opted for the bus to save money and 66% praise the reliability of the network.
