top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Paris makes travel free for kids and disabled youth

Children will be allowed to travel free on Paris public transport from September 1 this year, the capital’s Mairie has confirmed, in measures that will also help young disabled people and secondary students.

The four new measures announced are:

  • Free Navigo pass (public transport travel pass) for children aged 4-11
  • Free Navigo pass for disabled Paris residents aged 20 years and under
  • Partial or total reimbursement of the Navigo pass for secondary school students
  • Inclusion of a Velib’ subscription (the to-hire push bike scheme) for 14-18 year-olds with an Imagin’R (student pass) or Navigo pass

The measures are expected to cost the capital €5 million in 2019, and €15 million per full calendar year.

Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo said she decided to adopt the measures after reading a government report submitted to her office on “ecological transition and buying power”.

The 100-page report, named “Pour un Big Bang de la Tarification des Transports dans le Grand Paris (For A Big Bang/Shake Up of in the Pricing of Transport in Greater Paris)”, and co-created by deputy mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, suggests 23 measures to improve public transport in the city.

It reads: “While the objective is to reduce the role of individual cars, [studies show] that totally free transport is not an efficient solution.”

Ms Hidalgo said: “This report suggests a reasonable and responsible way to make public transport accessible to everyone. [These measures] will support the ecological transition, all the while strengthening the buying power of Parisian families.”

The city is aiming to pay for the new measures through a reshuffle of its budget, and, in 2020, by using revenue from street advertising.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France