On 13 November, Rennes Métropole selected Keolis to operate the STAR network for a new period of seven years starting on 1 January 2026. This new contract, worth more than €1.3 billion overall, covers all modes of transport – metro, buses, BRT (the future Trambus), Handistar (PRM transport), bicycles, and carpooling – serving the 43 municipalities of the urban area and its nearly 475,000 residents, with a network of more than 2,000 km of lines and over 2,100 stops.
Rennes Métropole reappoints Keolis to operate the STAR network for a further seven years
A modernised and ambitious mobility service proposition
The STAR network aims to deliver over 130 million journeys per year between now and 2032, representing an increase of more than 27% compared with the 102.8 million journeys recorded in 2024.
To meet growing passenger demand and encourage the use of public transport across the city and its region, four Bus Rapid Transit (Trambus) lines will be introduced by 2030, alongside the continued expansion of metropolitan bus services to and from the city’s municipalities.
In addition, work will progress on the modernisation and decarbonisation of the vehicle fleet, helping to improve service performance and travelling conditions.
Keolis will invest more than €65 million in network upgrades, while over 1,500 members of staff (employees of Keolis Rennes Métropole and its main subcontractors) will be fully mobilised to guarantee exemplary service quality throughout the contract.
A mission-driven company committed to inclusive mobility
This new contract reflects Keolis’ intention to continue supporting Rennes Métropole in transforming the STAR network around values of sustainability, performance, and inclusion.
Following its obtention of international B Corp certification recognising companies that meet the highest social and environmental standards, Keolis Rennes will change its legal status to become a mission-driven company (entreprise à mission) under the new name of Keolis Rennes Métropole. This new status reflects a powerful commitment to Keolis’ core values: sustainable mobility, social cohesion and service quality.
Contract governance will be overseen by a mission committee: a local consultative body bringing together representatives from the greater city council, the economic and associative sectors, two STAR network users, and two Keolis Rennes Métropole employees. The committee will support the implementation of the contract by ensuring transparency, responsiveness, and close engagement with the city region’s residents.
Furthermore, Keolis undertakes to provide 40,000 hours of social integration work experience per year and set aside 6% of its jobs for people with disabilities, reaffirming its role as an inclusive and responsible employer.
Higher environmental ambitions
Keolis is proud to continue supporting Rennes Métropole in its ambitious sustainable mobility commitments.
By 2032, 100% of the bus fleet will be electric or BioCNG-powered, resulting in an 87% reduction in CO₂ emissions per journey compared with 2021. A new electric bike-sharing service will also be launched, with a target of 800,000 annual hires.
Keolis also undertakes to
- 20 %reduction in water consumption
- 12 %Cut waste
- 25%of maintenance sourced from circular economy
- 1,800 m²reforest (Replant trees and bushes )
"We are delighted to continue working alongside Rennes Métropole to develop the STAR network, a benchmark for multimodality, passenger experience, and lower-carbon mobility. We have set our sights high for the next seven years in our aim to provide every resident with a simple and efficient alternative to private car use, support behavioural change and ensure easy access to services for everyone, particularly the elderly. These goals fully reflect Keolis’ commitment to working with local authorities to create increasingly inclusive, efficient and attractive mobility solutions that benefit territorial cohesion, environmental transition, and quality of life."
Annelise Avril, CEO France, Urban Networks