Keolis obtains the renewal of the contract for Blois, in France

with the launch of a first 100% electric bus line
25th November 2020

On 13 November 2020, Agglopolys, the conurbation authority of Blois in the French department of Loir-et-Cher, renewed its trust in Keolis for the operation and maintenance of its entire public transport network, Azalys. 

This new eight-year public service concession will begin on 1 January 2021 and will generate cumulative revenue of nearly €100 M. It will be accompanied by the overhaul of the network, planned for 1 September 2021.

As the operator of the Azalys network, Keolis' mission will be to strengthen the transport offer in the region, to promote more sustainable mobility, notably through the conversion of a line with 100% electric buses, and to increase network ridership by the end of the contract.

Renewal of the fleet, with a focus on clean energies

The contract provides for the complete renewal of the fleet on the network's busiest line, with the incorporation of six 100% electric buses. After the shuttle in the city centre, this will be the conurbation's first fully electric line. With a view to launching the line in September 2021, Keolis is currently preparing the transformation of the depot, including the installation of electric terminals where vehicles can be recharged.

Apart from the reduction in noise and vibrations, thanks to the electric propulsion system, the users of this line will benefit from an enhanced passenger experience with the provision of a Wi-Fi network and connected screens on board.