The Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis is implementing free public transport on the Lignes d’Azur network for residents over 65 years old, prison officers and healthcare staff at Nice University Hospital. Registration begins on July 10 for seniors. Procedures, conditions and schedule: here’s what you need to know.
From September 1, 2026, public transport on the Lignes d’Azur network will be free for residents aged 65 and over living in the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, with no income requirements. The measure also applies to officers from the penitentiary center operating on metropolitan territory as well as Nice University Hospital staff.
Presented by Éric Ciotti, Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, alongside Bertrand Gasiglia, President of Lignes d’Azur Management, this development follows the resolution adopted by the Metropolitan Council on June 8.
According to the Metropolis, approximately 100,000 seniors, 150 prison officers and 1,200 hospital staff are affected. “This is an extremely important development, an ambition of solidarity for our elderly. This boost is significant for purchasing power because the subscription costs 180 euros per year. We also want to expand the use of our public transport to improve traffic flow. For staff, it’s support for essential professions.”
Free transport: what procedures must you follow?
Free transport is not automatic. Registration is still required to obtain a transport card. The cost of file creation is 15 euros, to be paid once only.
Residents over 65 years old will be able to complete their procedures from July 10, 2026. Online registration is recommended. The card will then be sent by mail to the recipient’s home.
Registration will also be possible at Lignes d’Azur commercial agencies, including at the Mobility space on Boulevard Dubouchage in Nice, at the Cagnes-sur-Mer bus station, at the town hall and at Cap 3000 in Saint-Laurent-du-Var. Temporary agencies will also open in Carros, in the Arénas district, at Vauban bus station and at the Municipal Office for Seniors, rue Gioffredo.
Bertrand Gasiglia also announces support in the Metropolis municipalities: “We will go to the Metropolis municipalities with our mobile agencies. We will raise awareness among local social action centers to help with online procedures.”
The President of Lignes d’Azur Management recommends getting ahead of the formalities: “Get ahead because at the end of August and beginning of September, all students are getting their cards.”
For Nice University Hospital staff and prison officers, procedures are handled by the respective administrations in conjunction with Lignes d’Azur services. Free transport has already applied since July 1 for prison officers. The system will be rolled out for hospital staff after the signing of the agreement planned between the various partners.
Subscribers who already have an annual pass will keep their subscription until it expires. No refunds will be issued for a transport pass already paid for.
The cost of this measure is estimated at nearly 6 million euros per year if all beneficiaries use this service. An extension of free transport to all users is not being considered at this stage. However, the Metropolis indicates it wants to study changes in favor of students.
NicePremium is a free, independent local news outlet.
Help us keep going by supporting our work from €5 per month.
