“Cleaner”, more “modern”, discover the new Tango buses which the Agglo de Nîmes has just been equipped with

These new buses have been designed to improve the comfort of users and drivers. Midi Free – Wendy Noël

Les nouveaux bus ont été pensés pour améliorer le confort des usagers et des conducteurs. Midi Libre – W.N.

Trente cars biocarburants, 6 bus biogaz et 3 bus électriques seront mis en service dans les prochaines semaines.

Fifteen million. This is, more or less, the amount invested to renew part of the fleet of the Tango bus network. In the coming weeks, 39 so-called clean vehicles will be put into service on the Nîmes Métropole transport network, including 30 biofuel coaches, 6 biogas buses and 3 electric buses.

A renewal that has already been taking place for three years to meet two objectives: rejuvenate a "old and polluting park", in the words of Jean-Marc Campello, vice-president of the urban community in charge of mobility, but also to begin the energy transition of means of transport. Thus, of the 77 vehicles acquired since 2020, 63 of them are green energy. 

Improving user comfort

"This is a real turning point in transport policy", said delighted Franck Proust, president of Nîmes métropole, this Thursday, January 18, on the occasion of the presentation of these new vehicles at the community hotel. Which have been designed to offer additional comfort to users and drivers. Large side windows provide maximum brightness. The noise level is reduced by half, also improving the comfort of local residents.

Seats "new generation", made from recycled plastic, have been installed in electric buses allowing better hygiene on board. A way also to lighten these vehicles and therefore increase their autonomy, estimated at 380 kilometers. The driving space has been improved with a new dashboard and a rear door control screen. The new vehicles are also equipped with reversing cameras. 

Make T1 a 100% electric line

In addition to this renewal, a new look has been designed to "give the buses a facelift. Depending on the lines, we will put different colors to clearly identify them", indicates the president of Nîmes Métropole. A 'modern and sober' look which also honors the Maison Carrée, represented at the rear of the vehicles. This design will be applied gradually to the new buses. 

Because Nîmes metropolis does not intend to stop there. "Within four to five years, all 230 buses in the fleet will be renewed", assures Jean-Marc Campello. The aim is of course to meet the challenges of transport, namely improving air quality or ensuring quiet operation. Thus, this year, future vehicles for the trambus lines should be ordered to make the T1 line a 100% electric line. "We need to look at what is being done elsewhere", adds Jean-Marc Campello. Around fifteen vehicles should be acquired in the coming months, once the choice of the new delegatee has been made. 

The Agglo must in fact choose between Keolis and RATPDev, candidates for public service delegation. The choice should be announced on February 26 during the next community council. A subject which had been at the heart of the strike of employees of the operator Transdev, suspended this Wednesday, January 17, after the president of Nîmes métropole met representatives of the Transdev company. inter-union on strike.

Free admission for those over 70 from September

In parallel with the presentation of the new buses and the new exterior, the president of Nîmes métropole announced the implementation of free admission for those over 70 on the Tango network from September 1st. An electoral commitment which had been made in order "to make a gesture towards seniors for whom transport is endured and not chosen", indicates Franck Proust. For the latter, completely free transport, as has been the case in Montpellier since last December, is not possible. "People expect more quality of service. The cost of the ticket allows us to invest in equipment, shuttles or even to irrigate areas where we have to make efforts" , indicates the president of the Agglo. Senior passes will thus be available for all people over 70.