Nice Metropolitan Authority proposes free transport for retirees and healthcare workers

The Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolitan Authority is considering an expansion of its free public transport scheme to include all retirees and specific healthcare workers within the metropolitan area. Metropolitan President Éric Ciotti announced the proposal, which is scheduled for a vote on November 6.

Currently, residents aged 65 and over can access the Lignes d'Azur network for free, a program that already serves approximately 48,000 people. The new proposal aims to extend this benefit to all retired residents regardless of their age or income level. This would specifically assist those who retired before the age of 65. A transitional arrangement is being considered for residents aged 65 and over who currently hold free passes but have not yet retired, potentially allowing them to retain their status for one additional year.

Additionally, the proposal seeks to extend free transport to healthcare workers living in the metropolitan area who are employed by public or private hospitals operating on a 24/7 basis. While free travel for staff at the Nice University Hospital (CHU) was approved in June and is set to begin on November 7, the new measure would broaden eligibility to include those in the private sector and other permanent facilities.