Keolis

Reducing waiting times at each stage of the journey is part of making a network work optimally; and as a network operator in France, this is a crucial part of the global Keolis philosophy.

In France, the provision of public transport is regulated through a public service delegation contract with a passenger transport authority. The authority delegates the totality of the public transport network to an operator, who then has to optimise the functioning of the network, constantly striving to deliver the best service to the most passengers at all times. The expertise of Keolis in integrated transport is therefore a key part of making public transport attractive to all and developing patronage.

The principle of public service delegation is not used in other countries where Keolis is present, but the principles of integrated transport are frequently included into the approach of a non-French Keolis company when designing its services in a given geographical zone. For example our subsidiary KDR, the new Melbourne Yarra tram network operator, is actively working within Metlink, the city's network authority, to improve connections between trams and buses in the capital of Victoria State. Elsewhere, electric trains in Germany give real-time passenger information on connections at the different stations along its route.

The keys to successfully integrated transport

• Increasing the opportunities for passengers to change lines or modes of transport during their journey, in order to achieve the shortest and/or most comfortable journey. In France, Keolis redesigns and deploys bus networks to obtain maximum territorial coverage and increase interchange opportunities.
• Coordination of key interchange nodes such as railway stations and city-centre crossroads, and park-and-ride car parks
• Standardising ticket prices to help people switch from one mode to another without worrying about buying different tickets
• Improving passenger information systems everywhere, whether static or real-time, to give people the best advice on the next stage of their trip.
• Improving ticketing systems, including the use of smart card technology.