The Eurométropole de Metz awards Keolis a 10-year contract to operate the LE MET’ network

On 6 October, the Eurométropole de Metz authority selected Keolis to operate the LE MET’ transport network for a period of ten years starting on 1 January 2026. Worth more than €700 million, the contract covers the operation of a bus network comprising 93 routes – including two Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines – and nearly 500 stops, serving all municipalities in the metropolitan area and carrying over 77,000 passengers per day.

A distinctive feature of this new contract is its governance model: operations will be managed by a semi-public company (SEMOP – Société d’Économie Mixte à Opération Unique), in which the Eurométropole will hold a majority 60% stake , with Keolis holding the remaining 40%. This shared governance model reflects a long-term commitment to co-creating sustainable mobility on the scale of the city region.

Keolis is proud to support the Eurométropole de Metz in its ambition to promote sustainable mobility.

More than €80 million will be invested in an ambitious energy transition for the vehicle fleet.

By 2035, 60% of the network’s vehicles will be ultra-low emission, including 34 hydrogen buses that will be introduced progressively between 2026 and 2027, as part of the creation of a comprehensive local ecosystem for the production of renewable hydrogen.

A new operations and maintenance depot will be built in 2026 on the Frescaty plateau to accommodate the hydrogen fleet from 2027. The 24-metre BRT vehicles operating on the METTIS A and B lines will be replaced by fully electric buses with fast-charging capability.

In addition, the Eurométropole will double the VéloMet’ bike fleet to over 1,000 bicycles by 2030, further encouraging the growth of active travel.

To raise the modal share of public transport to 12% by 2035 (a 30% increase on current levels), the SEMOP will work on enhancing the appeal of the public transport network from the very start of the contract through:

• A restructured Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network, including the creation of a third line, “Mettis C”,

• New inter-district and orbital routes,

• Six zone-based on-demand transport (ODT) services,

• More Accelis services for passengers with reduced mobility,

• The launch of a MaaS (Mobility as a Service) app from autumn 2026.

In terms of passenger innovation, a new ticketing system will be introduced in 2026, with open payment functionality added in 2027. This will allow passengers to validate their journey directly using a bank card or smartphone, providing a simpler and more seamless travel experience.

At the same time, the roll-out of digital passenger information displays (e-paper) will improve the visibility of real-time updates and ensure greater accessibility for all.

These innovations will make the network more convenient, reliable and attractive for everyday travel.

Over 500 employees will be fully dedicated to guaranteeing the network’s performance and reliability.

To achieve these goals, Keolis will further strengthen its commitment to staff training, with initiatives including:

• Eco-driving programmes for drivers to improve service quality while reducing environmental impact,

• Specialist technical training for maintenance teams on hydrogen and electric vehicles, essential to ensure the fleet’s reliability and performance.