Keolis again picked to run Artis transport network in Arras
Keolis has won a contract to manage public transport for the Arras metropolitan area for six more years.
A modern transport network for Arras
Keolis has operated the public transport network for the Arras metropolitan area in Hauts-de-France region since 2004, and has now been awarded a new six-year contract starting 1 January 2026. Under this renewed mandate, Keolis will expand the city’s mobility offering, making it more accessible and environmentally responsible. The goal is to better serving residents while enhancing Arras’ appeal and overall quality of life.
€100m
total contract amount
46
cities are part of the Artis transport network
110,000
residents benefit from the transport options managed by Keolis
A richer offering for passengers
The new contract calls for changes that will enhance Arras’ transport options. The goal is to boost ridership by 12% by 2031.
Under the contract, Keolis will:
- Add a third free shuttle serving the southern part of Arras
- Increase service frequency for Line 1
- Create a command centre to monitor and manage operations in real time
The network will comprise:
- 8 regular lines (10 urban and 8 in the countryside)
- 3 city centre shuttles
- 21 school bus routes
- A wide range of on-demand transport options, electric-assist bicycles, car-sharing and carpooling
On-demand transport options will be consolidated into a single online-accessible service, and combined with services for people with reduced mobility to offer greater flexibility and improved availability.
Advancing the energy transition
The Arras metropolitan area has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44% by 2031. To support this target, Keolis will operate a modern, eco-friendly fleet that includes biogas-powered buses, electric shuttles, and leased buses running on 30% hydrotreated vegetable oil.
Rolling out new tools
New tools are improving the passenger experience and simplify use of the network. Examples include:
- Artis Pulse, an AI-powered system that instantly updates all Artis digital platforms (app, website, and more) to ensure users are notified of incidents within 10 minutes.
- Tap-to-pay, scheduled to launch in 2026.
- A complete overhaul of passenger information systems to improve accessibility, particularly for people with reduced mobility.
- A central customer service counter—Maison des Mobilités—to be set up at the SNCF train station, providing information, guidance and day-to-day support for navigating the transport network.
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