Free travel in Nice: how pensioners and healthcare workers can get benefits from September 2026
From September 1, 2026, residents of Nice and the surrounding areas over 65 years old will be able to use trams and buses of the Lignes d’Azur network for free. The new initiative will also apply to employees of the university hospital and prison staff. We explain who is entitled to benefits, how to obtain a special card, and where to register.
🎫 Who is entitled to benefits: expanded list of categories
From September 1, 2026, the following will be entitled to free travel:
- All residents of the Nice - French Riviera metropolis over 65 years old (without income verification)
- 1200 employees of the University Hospital of Nice (CHU)
- 150 prison workers in Nice
Previously, free travel was only provided to non-working pensioners with low incomes.
“This is an important step to support the older generation. The annual savings on travel will amount to 180 euros,” emphasized the president of the metropolis, Eric Ciotti.
📅 Stages of implementing benefits: different dates for different groups
The free travel benefit will be implemented in stages:
- From July 1, 2026 - for prison staff
- From July 10 - start of registration for pensioners
- From September 1 - full launch of the program
- For healthcare workers - after signing an agreement with CHU
It is expected that around 100,000 people will benefit from the program.
📍 Where to obtain the card: stationary and mobile points
Main registration points:
- Online on the Lignes d’Azur website (the card will be sent by mail)
- Agencies in Nice, Cannes, and Saint-Laurent-du-Var
- Temporary points in Carros, the Arena district, and other areas
“We will deploy mobile offices throughout the region and assist with online registration through local social services,” explained Lignes d’Azur president Bertrand Gaziglia.
💶 Funding of the program: where the 6 million euros will come from
The annual budget of the project is 6 million euros. The funds were obtained by:
- Cutting communication expenses
- Reducing protocol events
- Decreasing payments to elected officials
To introduce free travel for all residents would require 120 million euros - the metropolis does not have such funds.
🏥 Special conditions for healthcare workers: 75% covered by the hospital
CHU employees will receive unique conditions:
- The hospital will reimburse 75% of the travel cost
- The metropolis will cover 25%
“This is an important measure to support staff and a tool to attract new talent,” noted CHU’s general director, Rodolphe Burre.
🚍 How this will change the transportation situation: metropolis goals
Expected effects of the new initiative:
- Increase in the number of public transport passengers
- Reduction of traffic congestion
- Support for the purchasing power of pensioners
- Increase in mobility of socially significant workers
Expansion of the program to include students is also being considered.
— — — Photo: x360o / Pexels