On 2 September, 2019, Keolis, which runs Chronoplus, the transport network of the Basque Country conurbation authority in the south of France started operating a 100% electric BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) line on behalf of the public transport authority SMPBA . The 12 km long line featuring 30 stations offers an innovative, more sustainable mode of transport that will connect Bayonne to Biarritz, two major cities in the south of France in 30 minutes. The line’s opening, which will be followed by the launch of a second electric line between Bayonne and Tarnos in 2020, is part of a much larger, global overhaul of the network. Thanks to the deployment of a new transport offer which is simpler for passengers to understand and use, MPBA and Keolis are expecting a 25% ridership increase across the network by the end of 2023. The e-BRT line between Bayonne and Biarritz represents a new milestone in the Group’s electric mobility strategy with Keolis remaining the largest operator of electric transport networks in France in 2019.
On 27th July 2019, Keolis, which operates the Twisto public transport system, launched the new tram system on behalf of Caen la Mer’s urban community, in Normandy, in the north of France. Following 19 months of works, this new mode of transport will replace the previous rubber-tyred tram system. The tram network is made up of three lines totalling 16.2 km of track. It serves 36 stations with 26 trams and forms the backbone of the new Twisto transport system.
Keolis, in partnership with Ipsos, has published the results of Keoscopie International, a new global mobility study investigating the habits of a sample made up of 6,600 people based in 37 cities across 15 countries. The study looks at mobility habits of people living in different cities, how those people use new technologies, and the impact that digital technologies have on their mobility. The study also highlights specific national or local features. Keoscopie International is available here in summary with the full results here) Keoscopie International originated in the Keoscopie study which was first launched in 2007 in France. The study looks at socio-demographic changes including work patterns, use of digital technologies, life expectancy and regional development and the impact of these changes on mobility. The study, which reflects Keolis’ commitment to responding to passengers' needs as effectively as possible, has been used to develop bespoke mobility policies that are compatible with public transport authorities’ objectives and passenger aspirations. Operating in 16 countries in partnership with 300 Public Transport Authorities, 2018 saw Keolis decide to expand the study’s scope to become a worldwide study taking in 37 cities in 15 countries.
Didier Cazelles joins Keolis as Deputy CEO, head of the Territories branch in France. As of 1 July, he takes over from Jacky Pacreau, who has chosen to retire. This appointment gives him a seat on the Group’s Management Committee. Fabrice Lepoutre, Managing Director of EFFIA Stationnement, Keolis’ parking subsidiary, joins the Management Committee as a new member. His nomination symbolises the increasing importance of parking in our territorial mobility policies. They both report to Frédéric Baverez, Keolis Group Executive Director France. The Keolis Management Committee, which now has 15 members, is one of the group’s two steering and coordination bodies, along with the Executive Committee. These two committees help to define the Group’s strategic directions.
On 2 July 2019, Île-de-France Mobilités, the public transport authority for the Paris Île-de-France region chose Keolis for the launch and operation of Tram 9 and the Bord de l’Eau bus network in the Val-de-Marne department. This new five-and-a-half-year public service delegation contract will start in the next few weeks. With this contract, Keolis – the world's leading tram operator – has won the first call for tender issued by Île-de-France Mobilités to operate a rail system, strengthening its aim of becoming a major mobility player in the Île-de-France region as it opens up to competition.