Keolis remains operator of Lyon public transport network

Keolis, the incumbent operator of the TCL public transport network in Lyon, is to continue operations following almost 24 months of negotiations.

On Friday 07 October, officials on the governing board of the SYTRAL union of local government bodies in Lyon voted to renew its current contract with Keolis – the incumbent operator of the TCL public transport network in the region. The new public service concession will begin on 01 January 2017 for a period of six years generating revenue of approximately €2.2 billion.

Keolis to operate Lyon public service concession for a further six years

The TCL network covers 73 municipalities and manages close to 1.7 million journeys daily.  It is France’s largest public transport network outside the Paris region and has the national record for the highest number of journeys per inhabitant, which stands at more than 350 trips per year. In the greater Lyon area, Keolis operates metro, streetcar, funicular, trolleybus, bus and autonomous electric shuttle lines.

The contract is expected to be signed in the coming weeks by Annie Guillemot, SYTRAL’s Chairwoman, and Jean-Pierre Farandou, Keolis’ Chairman.

Keolis has confirmed passengers will enjoy a higher-performance under the new contract, with improvements in sustainable and accessible mobility. Operational costs will be kept under control and the city’s natural and cultural heritage will be preserved.

Commenting on the decision, Keolis Chairman, Jean-Pierre Farandou, said: “I’m delighted by the trust SYTRAL’s governing committee has unanimously bestowed on us. It confirms Keolis’ standing as transport experts capable of operating a high performance urban network, combining all modes of transport, and of innovating – as demonstrated by the recent launch at Confluence of the Navly driverless electric shuttles.”