Current Status

France has made significant advancements in automated public transport, particularly in metro and bus systems. Cities like Paris, Lyon, Lille, and Rennes operate fully automated metro lines, while autonomous bus trials are underway in Paris, Nantes, Toulouse, and other urban centers. Several cities are integrating automated trams, with plans to expand driverless transport networks nationwide.

Daily Usage and Capacity

• Paris Metro (Automated Lines 1 & 14): Over 2.5 million passengers daily.
• Lyon Metro (Fully Automated Lines A, B, and D): 900,000 passengers daily.
• Lille Metro is the first fully automated light metro, which carries 450,000 passengers daily.
• Rennes Metro: 200,000 passengers daily on automated Line A and newly opened Line B.
• Automated Tram Networks: Increasing adoption, with cities like Nice, Strasbourg, and Bordeaux experimenting with automation.
• Autonomous Buses: Trials in multiple cities, with a limited capacity of 10-15 passengers per vehicle, currently transporting a few thousand daily.

Services & Fuel Efficiency

• Urban Commuting & Airport Connections: Automated transport is critical in reducing congestion in dense urban centers and linking airports with city centers. Paris’s OrlyVal and CDGVAL automated trains connect major airports efficiently.
• Electric & Hydrogen Power: Most automated metros run on electricity, with trams using overhead power lines. Autonomous buses are powered by electric batteries or hydrogen fuel cells.
• Fuel Consumption & Emissions:
  • The Paris Metro consumes 3.5 kWh per vehicle-km, significantly lower than diesel-powered alternatives.
  • Lille’s fully automated metro reduces CO2 emissions by 100,000 tons annually.
  • Autonomous electric buses have zero direct emissions, reducing urban air pollution.
• Smart Traffic Management: AI-driven systems optimize routes, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce congestion.

Cost of Use

• Metro and Tram Fares: €1.90 per ride in Paris; €1.50 – €2.10 in other cities.
• Monthly Passes: €84.10 in Paris (Navigo), €60-€80 in other cities.
• Autonomous Bus Trials: Currently free, but future pricing is expected to align with standard public transport fares.

Trends and Future Projections

• Over the last ten years, Automated transport usage has increased by over 30%, driven by new metro lines, tram automation, and expanding bus trials.
• Future Growth:
  • Paris Metro Extension: Grand Paris Express (2025-2030) will add 200 km of automated metro lines, serving over 2 million passengers daily.
  • Expansion of Autonomous Buses: Full deployment in cities like Lyon and Nantes by 2030.
  • Hydrogen-Powered Fleets: France aims for a zero-emission transport sector by 2050, with hydrogen and electric vehicles leading the transition.
• International Impact: France’s automated transport success serves as a model for cities worldwide, influencing urban mobility trends in Europe and beyond.

France is at the forefront of automated public transport, continuously improving efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility for millions of daily passengers.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard France Country Manager Camille Huret.