Nice to make public transport free to all under 11s from July 1
It is latest major city to offer free public transport to some – or all – passengers in France
Certain over 65s in Nice can already travel free on the city’s public transport network
Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock
Children aged 11 and under will soon be able to use public transport in Nice for free.
Previously only applicable to children aged 4 or below, the free public transport policy will be widened from July 1, 2025, announced the city’s mayor Christian Estrosi.
It will apply to both the bus and tram network in the city.
Currently, a monthly pass for young people (under 26, including children aged under 11) costs €22.50, or an annual ‘pass scolaire’ for a school student can be purchased for €50.
“It is very good news,” said head of the parents’ federation of the Alpes-Maritimes department (Fédération des conseils de parents d'élèves, FCPE) Ariane Charton to French media outlet BFMTV.
“This is a point we had already addressed [with local authorities] by highlighting the difficulty many families have in paying, and thus, unfortunately, the fraudulent practices,” she added.
Expansion of free transport unlikely
Miss Charton is also urging the authorities to widen the policy to include all under 18s, and apply discounted or free rates to entire families at certain times, such as weekends or public holidays.
However, this is unlikely to happen with Mr Estrosi firmly against a policy of free public transport for all.
He called the idea a “dangerous illusion” that negatively affects the safety and quality of local services, and creates a menacing financial hole, in an article in local media Nice Matin (paywall article).
“Free travel exists for the most vulnerable and those over 65 who are not liable for tax, i.e. 25% of people transported,” he said, stating other than the expansion for young children there would be no further exemptions.
He made the comments in light of Montpellier’s decision to introduce free public transport for all residents regardless of age at the end of 2023.
Read more: Which French cities offer free public transport?
Nice’s southern neighbour Marseille/Aix-en-Provence has also announced plans for public transport to be free for under 10s and over 65s from September 2025 onwards.
Read more: Public transport to be free for over 65s (and under 10s) in Aix-Marseille
