A 725% increase in subscribers: in Nîmes, free transport for seniors is a hit

Les personnes de 70 ans et plus peuvent désormais circuler gratuitement sur le réseau Tango. Midi Libre – MiKAEL ANISSET

Since the introduction of free travel in September for those aged 70 and over on the Nîmes urban area public transport network, the number of subscribers in this age group has exploded.

Since September 1st, the Agglomeration of Nîmes has changed its fare structure to grant complete free travel to people aged 70 and over, with a pass allowing unlimited travel on the Tango network, by bus or trambus.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

From 1,791 to 13,000 subscribers

Almost four months later, at the time of an initial assessment, satisfaction is in order on the side of Nîmes Métropole, which describes the operation as a “real success”, with 11,000 new subscribers and 96,000 trips per month recorded. Figures that show a change in the distribution of customers: those aged 70 and over now represent 30% of public transport users, with 13,000 subscribers at the end of November 2024. Before the introduction of free transport, this number stood at 1,791, according to the services of the Agglomeration of Nîmes.

Free transport for people with reduced mobility is starting to develop

In addition, people with a disability equal to or greater than 80% also benefit from free transport thanks to the Access pass. According to feedback from the community, “at the end of November, there were 370 subscribers with 6,500 trips per month compared to 140 subscribers in the same period of 2023, or 230 new PMR subscribers”. “Mobility is also a vector of socialization. The great success of the new senior subscriptions demonstrates strong expectations of this category of population for easier travel that is in line with their standard of living”, estimates Claude de Girardi, member of the office delegated to urban and peri-urban passenger transport and to Gemapi.

To benefit from free travel, it is necessary to order your card on the Tango e-boutique or to go directly to the Tango boutique (13 rue Régale in Nîmes) with an identity photo less than 6 months old and an identity document.