Today, the intermodal network Bibus of Brest métropole, which we have been operating for a year now, is inaugurating the new "Blue" line as part of its expanded transport offering, in the presence of Laurence Batlle, CEO of RATP Dev, François Cuillandre, mayor of Brest and President of Brest métropole, and Yohann Nédélec, 2nd Vice-President of Brest métropole in charge of Transports and Mobility. Overview of the summer and autumn novelties.
Beginning 23 June, a new range of improvements for passengers of the Bibus network in Brest has been kicked-off. The redesigned service offering will expand throughout the summer and be completed with new features in September. With these developments – which will continue next year – RATP Dev intends to encourage the use of sustainable mobility options throughout the Brest conurbation and make it more accessible.
A new “Blue” line to support businesses and tourism – Starting 4 July, the Blue line will stop at points of interest in Brest, with a 30-minute frequency: the marina, Océanopolis, Port de Commerce, Port du Château, the maritime museum, Les Capucins, place de la Liberté and the railway station. This is an opportunity for passengers to find out more about the landmark sites in Brest on board a double-decker bus.
Better coverage and reinforced service to the airport and business areas - In support of the resumption in activity and the higher number of flights in the summer, Bibus will be fielding a more regular summer service for line 40 to the airport and the business districts of Prat Pip and Saint Thudon. This includes departures every half hour during peak times and every hour at other times.
An electric bus to Les Capucins – Starting on 23 June, passengers have been able to board a free fully electric shuttle to travel between the Les Capucins tram stop and portes des Ateliers. Clad in the Ateliers colours, the shuttle is equipped to welcome reduced-mobility passengers.
Shuttles between the city centre and the Plougastel greenhouses - Bibus had implemented two bus services during the health crisis to facilitate commuting for greenhouse employees. The service was so enthusiastically welcomed that Brest métropole decided to extend it until the end of the season. Commuters can reach the fifteen greenhouses via eleven stops Monday to Friday.
A night bus for students – Starting in the autumn, young people and students will be able to get home in complete safety at night. On weekends at 4, 5 and 6 a.m. the night bus will connect Port de Commerce with the residences and student quarters with a stop in the city centre. The network’s first night line is part of the city’s alcohol prevention plan.
More services for reduced-mobility passengers – More capacity during peak hours and extended evening pick-up times until 1 a.m. Monday to Sunday including public holidays. This is what passengers using ACCEMO – Bibus' service for reduced-mobility individuals and people with sight or hearing impairments – will benefit from. The service is available to all holders of a mobilité inclusion card regardless of their residential location.
On-demand stops throughout the network – Initially experimented on line 1 and then on line 3 of the Bibus network, on-demand stops are now extended to the entire network. The principle is simple: you can get off the bus between two stops after 10 p.m. to be closer to home.
350 new electric bicycles - Bibus increases its electric bicycle rental fleet up to 600, with 200 new bikes starting in July followed by 150 in the autumn. This initiative highlights Bibus' objective to promote this soft mobility solution.
Contactless payment on board buses and trams - Starting in mid-August, passengers will be able to purchase and validate tickets directly with a credit card on board buses and trams.
Benefits for loyal customers - Starting in September, holders of an annual season ticket will be entitled to two months free, while students and the under-26s will be eligible for three additional free months. Any annual subscription will include multiple privileges such as free travel for children under 10 accompanied by a parent.
Instigated by RATP Dev, the Bibus network is going through a major change. The improvement dynamic starting this summer will continue through 2021 and include simplified timetables, improved connections between suburban areas and Brest Centre, better coverage in business districts and an expanded electric bicycle fleet. There is a clear objective for RATP Dev and the Bibus network: to develop sustainable mobility in the Brest conurbation and simplify movement for all locals and tourists in the region.