Keolis welcomes the decision of the Syndicat des Mobilités de Touraine awarding the Group the operation of the Fil Bleu and Fil Blanc (PRM transport) public transport network for a period of six years, starting from 1 January 2026. This contract, representing a cumulative turnover of €497 million, aims to provide the 305,000 residents of the city region with increasingly smooth, inclusive and reliable mobility.
The Syndicat de Touraine renews its trust in us for six years to develop the network
A reinforced multimodal network for efficient and innovative mobility serving the population
Keolis will continue to operate the network’s different modes of transport which include trams, buses, on-demand transport (ODT) and transport for people with reduced mobility (PMR). The network covers 25 municipalities, with approximately 700 stops, including 28 tram stops. The vehicle fleet will comprise 200 buses, 21 trams in 2026 and 40 in 2028, 5 electric minibuses, and 27 ODT/PMR vehicles. In total, nearly 12 million kilometres will be covered each year, efficiently connecting local residents and users of regional transport with the business districts and public amenities of the metropolitan area.
The contract provides for the launch of a second tram line and a new BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) line between now and April 2028, bringing the network to 2 tram lines and 3 BRT lines. Passengers will benefit from a real-time on-demand booking service available seven days a week, and will receive better, more transparent information through the PRISME[1] solution.
Through this increase in transport service provision, the Touraine PTA and Keolis share the ambitious goal of delivering 53.5 million journeys per year in 2031.
Keolis, a committed partner for the Fil Bleu network
The Touraine PTA has adapted its depot to accommodate Bio-CNG buses, with the option to make further adjustments for electric buses. It has also extended the tram maintenance depot in preparation for the second line. In addition, work has been carried out on the bus network in anticipation of the second tram line and the new BRT line, and bus drivers are being trained to also operate trams.
In total, 700 employees will continue to support the development of the network to provide reliable, innovative mobility tailored to the needs of residents and the community.
Furthermore, under this new contract, Keolis is to apply for “Passenger Pact” certification and will establish a mission-driven company (société à mission) in 2026.The Passenger Pact (Pacte Voyageurs), an internal Keolis/SNCF group certification programme launched in 2021, measures service quality across four key dimensions: punctuality, passenger information, vehicle tracking, and customer service. Audited annually by AFNOR Certification, it comprises three levels of attainment, which Keolis Tours aims to achieve progressively between now and 2030.
The mission-driven company will, in turn, write into its bylaws a mission statement and social and environmental goals, reflecting the aim of combining economic performance with societal impact. Its implementation will be overseen by a mission committee made up of representatives of the public transport authority, employees and local stakeholders. Keolis Tours will also create a societal innovation fund to support projects led within the local community, with two calls for projects planned in 2028 and 2030.
[1] A solution to share information on the transport network designed to improve transparency and communication throughout the public transport system
"We are delighted to have been reappointed by the Touraine PTA as network operator for the next six years. Together with all our employees, we are committed to continuing the development of the Fil Bleu network to provide simple and effective alternatives to car use and improve the passenger experience day after day. The arrival of the second tram line, the development of new BRT lines and innovative new services will together constitute a decisive step towards increasingly sustainable, inclusive and efficient mobility for the inhabitants of the Tours metropolitan area."
Annelise Avril, CEO, France Urban Networks