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Will there soon be free buses for Parisians?

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The Editor

© bellena / Shutterstock

For a few years now, the price of public transport has become a real point of contention between the residents of the capital and the Paris transport authority. It's a debate that comes up year after year, faced with an increase that seems never-ending. But this new proposal could really change things!

Here we are, just a few months away from the crucial election to find out who will replace Anne Hidalgo at the helm of the capital. As the deadline approaches, candidates are unveiling new aspects of their programs each day. Recently, the ecological candidate David Belliard struck a chord by addressing a matter of great importance for Parisians: a potential free public transport system.


Easing Accessibility

It's no secret anymore, mobility in Paris will be one of the key topics in these municipal elections. With growing tensions, road-sharing issues, and more,

the subscription price, it's fair to say that Parisians have plenty to be upset about. To lighten the mood a bit, David Belliard announced this Thursday, December 4th that he wants to make a revolutionary decision if elected in 2026: to implement a system of free transportation for residents of the capital on the 62 bus lines within the city. He believes this is essential for developing this « ecological and future-oriented » mode of transport. To do this, a pass would be available at city halls, allowing residents to travel at no cost. He estimates this project to be worth 30 million euros, funded through a partnership with the operator.


Developing the Global Network

Beyond this freebie, the current deputy mayor of Paris aims to revitalize the entire network. To achieve this, various measures have been discussed. First of all, he wants to enhance services on the 10 most used lines: 26, 31, 38, 47, 54, 60, 62, 64, 91, and 92. Then, the candidate announces plans to develop 40 km of new bus lanes in the capital, in order to smooth traffic for these giants of the road. Lastly, a review of intersections and traffic lights, particularly through the implementation of priority lights, is also considered by David Belliard. These measures are also supported by the PS candidate.Emmanuel Grégoire, as well as Jean-Loïc Meudic, vice-president of the Fnaut-IDF public transport users' association, believes that establishing faster and more punctual bus lines is currently a top priority, even above free transport. However, that doesn't mean we're opposed to a few free rides…