The outgoing mayor and candidate for re-election in 2026 announced in a press conference two major developments for the Lignes d’Azur transportation network: a tram service at night on weekends and total gratuity for all retirees.
Yesterday, Christian Estrosi presented two new measures related to public transportation in Nice. The outgoing mayor, campaigning for the 2026 municipal elections, included these announcements in a strategy that has been ongoing for several terms. The press conference highlighted a context marked by steadily increasing attendance and a pricing policy designed to remain accessible to the entire population.
Since 2008, the network has seen continuous expansion with the creation of new tram lines and several dozen bus lines. This evolution meets increasing demand. The network recorded “117 million journeys in 2024.” A strong progression since 2008, a year in which the total was 53 million trips.
This dynamic is part of a long-term strategy: extension of the carriages on line 1, decarbonization of the fleet by the end of 2026, new BHNS, creation of lines 4 and 5 to serve several currently less connected areas. This roadmap just received national recognition by being awarded the “Silver Pass” in the mobility rankings. An award given by the magazine Ville, Rail & Transports. According to Christian Estrosi, this award “rewards our action in sustainable, safer, and more accessible mobility for all.”
The conference revisited the pricing policy implemented over the years. The mayor-candidate reminded that he has always sought to maintain moderate prices. A historical reference was made: the six million euro departmental compensation paid to the Metropolis to keep the ticket at one euro. This contribution ended in 2014, which marked the end of the single fare. The transport ticket now costs €1.70.
Despite this change, the Metropolis has maintained pricing considered “extremely favorable.” The user pays only a limited part of the actual cost of the trip. Several arrangements already exist: free rides for children under 11, conditional free rides for those over 65, a €30 monthly active subscription, and a €15 subscription for students or those under 26.
The outgoing mayor emphasized the impact of travel costs in a context of pressure on purchasing power, particularly among retirees. Data illustrated this trend: a 7% decrease for a private sector employee who retired twenty years ago, 8% for mid-level public employees, 10% for management-level employees. For retirees from ten years ago, the decrease reaches 3%. A direct message was addressed to the government: “stop the budget cuts for our seniors who have worked hard throughout their lives.”
Night tram and expanded free transportation: two new measures for next July
Two major decisions will take effect on the 1st of July next year if the city’s mayor is reconfirmed in office. They concern nighttime travel and free transportation for retirees. Christian Estrosi specified that these choices aim to meet the expectations of all generations: young adults, active workers, and retirees.
The first measure concerns the operating hours of the tramway. Two trams will run all night on lines 1, 2, and 3 every Friday and Saturday. The airport will remain excluded due to its nighttime closure.
This decision aims to create an alternative solution for night owls. The All for Nice candidate mentioned the safety of young people and the fear of families during night returns. The announcement includes a direct statement: “we witness terrible accidents, ruined parties, and lost lives because someone drove under the influence or encountered someone who did.”
The arrangement includes the presence of two agents from the Transport Safety Control Group in each tram. The trams and stations remain under video surveillance, with a network of over a thousand cameras connected to the CSU. The annual cost will be around 500,000 euros. The service will be accessible at no additional cost to subscribers.
The second measure eliminates the resource requirement for senior free rides. From the first day of retirement, all retirees can travel for free. Approximately 150,000 people are concerned in the Metropolis, including 44,000 current subscribers.
This change also covers people retiring earlier due to long careers, arduous jobs, or status as law enforcement or military personnel. The annual cost is estimated at five million euros.
These announcements mark a new stage in the metropolitan strategy focusing on accessibility and purchasing power. The 2026 municipal campaign thus opens with a central issue for residents: how to move around Nice, regardless of age and at any time.
