Bruno Bernard, president of the Lyon Metropolis and a candidate for reelection in the upcoming elections, has made a promise that's already sparking plenty of chatter: metros operating 24/7 every weekend starting in 2027. The elected official wants to make Lyon a pioneer in France, a city where going out without constantly checking the time finally becomes possible. It's a vision that fits perfectly with the image of a dynamic, youthful, night-loving metropolis… in short, a lively one!
The Bet on Non-Stop Metro Service
According to Bruno Bernard, this measure ticks all the boxes. First up is safety, with more human presence on the network. Next is freedom, as it puts an end to the stress of catching the last metro, turning evenings into a final sprint. And finally, there's the benefit to the local economy, as bars, clubs, and restaurants would thrive with a crowd that no longer worries about how to get home. The ecologist official even goes further by mentioning a complete service on the nights of December 24 and 31.
📢 #ANNONCE À l'image des grandes métropoles mondiales comme Londres, New York ou Barcelone, je veux que notre Métropole devienne pionnière en France.
— Bruno Bernard (@brunobernard_fr) December 9, 2025
C'est pourquoi je prends l'engagement devant vous : dès 2027, nos métros rouleront 24h/24 tous les week-ends. 🌙
Ce projet est… pic.twitter.com/N4Th5Grn87
2026 in sight
Barely announced, the measure has already been criticized by Véronique Sarselli, a candidate from the Grand Cœur Lyonnais movement and a self-declared ally of candidate Jean-Michel Aulas. According to her, Bruno Bernard should make sure the metros run properly before promising a nighttime revolution. A sharp jab that reminds everyone that the 2026 metropolitan elections are approaching and that every promise is closely examined… and shot down if necessary.
Lyon is just at the beginning of its big electoral battle. On March 15 and 22, 2026, voters will decide. In the meantime, promises are multiplying, visions are clashing, and the metro has unwittingly become a key symbol: that of a metropolis still wavering between nighttime pace and political caution.