Montpellier has become the largest city in France to offer free bus and tram services for its residents, resulting in a 33% increase in ridership since its launch. Over 407,000 residents have registered for the “Free Pass,” contributing to a rise in public transport use without negatively impacting cycling or carpooling. While local officials acknowledge the positive trends, accurately assessing the effect on car usage will require costly household travel surveys, with definitive results expected by 2026.
Montpellier’s Bold Move: Free Public Transport for Residents
On December 21, 2023, Montpellier made headlines as it became the largest French city to introduce complimentary bus and tram services for its residents. This progressive decision has received accolades from local leaders, including Fanny Dombre-Coste, the socialist deputy of Hérault. A year into this initiative, she reflects positively on its outcomes, noting a remarkable “33% rise in ridership coupled with a significant reduction in car usage.”
A Surge in Public Transport Usage
Recent data sheds light on the transformative impact of free public transport in Montpellier. Julie Frêche, the vice-president of Montpellier Méditerranée Metropolis, shared compelling statistics indicating that “compared to the pre-Covid era in 2019, we observed a 33% uptick in ridership during the first three quarters of 2024.” This translates to an impressive jump from 84 million trips to 110 million. Out of the city’s 510,000 residents, 407,000 have signed up for the “Free Pass,” showcasing the initiative’s popularity.
Last spring, the Metropolis had already reported an increase in the number of travelers, particularly during off-peak hours. Interestingly, local officials noted that this free transportation service has not adversely affected cycling rates or carpooling—both of which continue to thrive.
While Deputy Dombre-Coste emphasizes the rise in ridership, the question remains: has this led to a comparable decrease in car usage? The president of the Metropolis admits that quantifying this shift accurately is challenging. He indicated to the local newspaper Midi Libre that only a comprehensive household travel survey could yield reliable insights into these changes. Unfortunately, such studies are expensive, with costs estimated around one million euros, and are typically conducted every decade.
Michaël Delafosse, also serving as the mayor of Montpellier, explained that precise data on public transport’s impact on car usage will be available only at the end of the current term, expected in early 2026. This timeline will allow for a clearer picture once ongoing urban development projects are completed and traffic patterns stabilize.
In conclusion, the introduction of free public transport in Montpellier has undeniably increased ridership by 33%. However, it remains premature to assess its full impact on residents’ transportation habits, particularly concerning car usage. Future studies will be essential to determine if enhanced access to trams and buses leads to fewer individual vehicle trips.