Over-65s to benefit from free public transport in Nice
Around 100,000 residents will be eligible under the new scheme
Free bus and tram travel will be extended to eligible residents from September
Igor Pavluzhenkov/Shutterstock.
People aged 65 and over will soon benefit from free public transport across the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolitan Area after the Metropolitan Council approved the measure on June 8.
The initiative was part of the election campaign of the new mayor, Eric Ciotti, and will come into effect by the new academic year, on September 1.
Residents aged 65 and over, as well as metropolitan staff of the prison administration and the Nice University Hospital (CHU), will be able to travel free of charge across the Lignes d'Azur bus and tram network.
“This is an act of recognition towards the women and men who carry out essential missions in service of our health and safety.” Mr Ciotti wrote in a post on X.
The scheme extends a policy that was previously reserved for non-taxable seniors and is expected to benefit around 100,000 people, compared to around 31,000 who are currently eligible. To qualify, residents will need to provide proof of age and residence within the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolitan Area and pay a one-off administrative fee of €15 for their travel card.
According to the metropolitan authority, the measure is expected to cost between €5 million and €5.5 million per year. The proposal received broad support across the Metropolitan Council during the vote.
The aim is to help combat social isolation among older people, support purchasing power and encourage greater use of public transport.
“This concrete measure to boost purchasing power will allow our seniors to travel more easily, maintain their independence, and fully participate in the life of our community.” Mr Ciotti wrote in another post.
Supporters of the measure have also argued that it could help reduce car dependency and contribute to environmental objectives.
