The 500,000 inhabitants of the Metropolis have been able to travel by bus and tram for free since December 21, 2023. One year later, what conclusions can we draw from this flagship campaign measure by Michaël Delafosse? We take stock.
One year ago to the day, free public transport came into force in Montpellier. The event, celebrated by more than 15,000 people on the Place de la Comédie, took on the appearance of a major popular festival. The jubilant crowd applauded the smiling mayor, happy to fulfill one of his campaign promises. 365 days later, “the world has not collapsed”quips Michaël Delafosse ironically, as quite a few bad sleepers assured him, with opposition elected officials in the lead.
Attendance up 30%
The measure, however, has met with undeniable success among the inhabitants of the Metropolis. There are 400,000 who have requested their free pass out of the 500,000 in the region. Attendance increased by more than 33%, or 150,000 travelers per day, compared to 2019 (before Covid). Suffice it to say that the measure is popular with users whose main reason for satisfaction is the improvement in their purchasing power. Free access, as desired by the majority, indeed fulfills its function. “social”. The students, numbering 80,000 in Montpellier, are the first to be delighted. At Paul-Valéry University, 65% viewed free education positively before its implementation. A new survey will be conducted among 25,000 students next spring. The results will be published in June. “Young people tell me that they are very proud to live in the city of ecology. Lots of people say thank you!”confides Michaël Delafosse.
Pollution decreasing
It is difficult to quantify the modal shift with precision since this would require an expensive household survey which the president of the metropolis puts at €1 million. “We carry out this type of study every ten years. The drop in car traffic was estimated at 10% at the time of the second stage of free access for those aged under 18 and over 65.” Of course, it was in 2021. But with a number of inhabitants that continues to grow in the region, each unused car means less pollution that metropolitan residents breathe.
Intermodality: can do better
“Everything is designed for the central city, leaving residents of the outskirts without mobility solutions. In many municipalities in the metropolis, free access is a mirage”denounces the opponent Alenka Doulain (Mupes) who launched the hashtag “free is good but it’s crap” in 2023. If free service is already a year old, intermodality in the 31 municipalities of the metropolis still has progress to make. Apart from busram line 1, between Place de l'Europe and Sablassou, the others are postponed. Already too much work in progress and budgetary constraints to come.
As for non-metropolitan residents and tourists, they have been paying more since September 1: + 27% for the 1h30 ticket and + 50% for the book of 10 tickets. Revenues – between €7 and €8 million in 2024 – exceeded the objectives. This is not the goal, recalls Michaël Delafosse. The elected official is the first to want to extend free access to municipalities close to the metropolis through participation in the local public company (SPL) Tam. Discussions are underway with the town of Montarnaud. An experiment was approved by the municipal council. It remains to define the amount of the participation. The mayor would also like to include the journey with Hérault Transport to offer free travel to its residents. Discussions are underway with a view to an experiment very soon.
Improvement in supply in 2025
A potential increase in ridership that bus and especially tram drivers want to see accompanied by a strengthening of the offer. “2024 was the year of free transport, 2025 will be the year of increasing the transport offer, indicates Michaël Delafosse. The 77 new trainsets, ordered in 2022, are arriving soon for line 5 and the extension of line 1. There has not been an order since 2012!” And remember that bus line 15, which is very busy, has been reinforced. Without forgetting that line 5 will improve speeds between Albert 1er and Saint-Eloi. “I thank all Montpellier residents for their patience, the supply will increase.” And to respond to criticism from the FO and CGT unions on the deterioration of the service: “In certain regions like Ile-de-France, prices are increasing and service is deteriorating. I don't take care of the powerful, I take care of the people.”
Deciving Incivility
Another reason for satisfaction: the staff of the Metropolitan Transport Police will finally be complete in 2025. That is 44 agents in total, plus controllers. “We're almost there! It's the most important metropolitan police in France, ahead of Orléans, Nantes, etc. rejoices the mayor-president. And this is bearing fruit with a 9.4% drop in incidents of incivility compared to 2019.” “Free access changes the city, changes life. It’s a great idea for the future.” No doubt for Michaël Delafosse, this will be THE big subject of municipal elections everywhere in France. “Montpellier will be an example.”
