In an effort to meet people's expectations as effectively as possible, Keolis deciphers today's lifestyles in order to imagine tomorrow's mobility. Keoscopie, an observatory headed by Keolis' Forecasting Department, has been carrying out studies for over twenty years, researching and observing use patterns and lifestyles, the different profiles of communities and their local specificities. Based on an innovative forward-looking approach, it helps to build concrete solutions for ever more attractive mobility, taking into account citizens in all their diversity.
Keoscopie, a unique lifestyle observatory to imagine tomorrow’s mobility
Keoscopie, an unprecedented and unconventional perspective on mobility
ObserveThe Keoscopie approach is founded on long-term observation of lifestyles in the community and their impact on mobility habits.
The Group conducts surveys among all residents - whether or not they use public transport - and in all types of region or community. These studies examine lifestyle habits along with mobility patterns and expectations. They shed new light on mobility needs.
AnalyseIn addition to quantitative and/or qualitative studies, observations and support in the field from sociologists and urban planners, the Keoscopie observatory integrates multiple sources of information: documentary research (INSEE, DARES, INSERM, urban planning agencies, Ministries, Credoc, non-profit organisations, etc.), and the use of data (mobile phone tracks, GPS, ticketing).
RepresentKeoscopie aims to ensure that its studies are representative, so as to take account of the diversity of individuals and communities. For example, according to INSEE figures, around half of people in France who left school at 15 do not have the baccalaureate (leaving certificate). These people are usually under-represented in traditional studies, which is why Keolis favours a mix of data collection methods (online or telephone).
Share and deployThe learnings, observations and findings from the Keoscopie observatory are regularly shared with internal teams, as well as with local players (public officials, technical officers, stakeholders, etc.). This sharing makes it possible to offer services tailored to the pace of people's lives and to each community depending on their specificities.
A shared approach for the benefit of communities
“Represent the voice of the customers”
The Keoscopie observatory is part of a philosophy of co-construction of mobility services, based on listening and dialogue with public transport authorities, councillors and public officials and the general public.
Meeting and sharing
Throughout the year, the findings of Keolis research and studies are presented to local councillors and public transport authorities, as well as to local Keolis teams, to assist them in conceiving and building tomorrow's mobility in their community.
These discussions take the form of talks open to the general public or private meetings, and are designed to shed light on the issues facing each community, taking into account citizens in their diversity.
“Our lives in motion” podcast – breaking down received wisdom on the subject of mobility
In Our lives in motion, journalist César Monteyrol talks to Eric Chareyron, foresight director at Keolis. Together, they analyse the patterns of citizens and the impact of transformations in society on the use of public or private transport options.
Tribunals for the Mobility of Future Generations
Following on from the Keoscopie observatory, Keolis organised a "Tribunals for the mobility of future generations" operation in 2023 and 2024. The aim of these four field events: go beyond preconceived ideas about mobility, invite everyone to express their points of view and provide food for thought about concrete solutions to the major mobility challenges of today and tomorrow.
Based on a unique participative approach, these workshops staged the major debates in the form of a trial, with a public prosecutor, a jury, a judge and expert witnesses. Among the debates: "Will electric mobility save the climate?", "Can we do without cars?", "Should we stop travelling?", "Is a desirable city a car-free city?
Observe to act together Bespoke solutions
The findings of the Keoscopie observatory help Keolis to move towards increasingly attractive, flexible, inclusive and personalised mobility. The Group builds and constantly improves its transport offer and associated services, to better serve the communities and adapt to people's new lifestyles and expectations.
For example, it is thanks to the findings of the Keoscopie observatory that the Flexo services were developed. Symbolising Keolis' commitment to passenger safety, these services go beyond on-demand transport. Deployed in Ile-de-France and Nancy, Flexo provides passengers with virtually personalised journeys in the evenings and at weekends, without prior booking. The aim is to take them in complete safety as close as possible to where they live, when they get off the last train, or from the city centre. The driver then builds their route around the stops requested by passengers. In Montgeron, the bus waits for passengers if trains are delayed.
Other networks have benefited from the Keoscopie experience by, for example, naming public transport stops in respect of the neighbourhoods and/or facilities they serve, so that they are easier for the public to identify.
Greater Besançon: optimising the transport network thanks to Keoscopie
In Greater Besancon (France), Keolis used the results of its Keoscopie studies to optimise the Ginko transport network.
The tram service was supplemented by the creation of BRT (bus rapid transit) lines. These new buses offer passengers more regular mobility, seven days a week, in the evenings and during school holidays, in high-ridership areas (city centre, shopping centres, hospitals). This new service offer addresses the need expressed to maintain a year-round service to satisfy travel demand other than the home-to-work or home-to-school commute.
At the same time, the quality of passenger information has improved thanks to Keoscopie and its lessons on the accessibility of resources for people with reduced mobility. This work has led to the creation of a new website, a mobile application, a fully accessible e-store and dynamic information screens at tram stations and bus stops, as well as on board vehicles.
Key learnings to take away
