Sunflower lanyards support passengers with hidden disabilities
Passengers using the Ginko public transport system in Besançon will soon have a discreet way to let our Keolis Besançon Mobilités staff know that they have a hidden disability and may need assistance.
Sunflowers are blooming in Besançon! On 3 December 2025, Keolis Besançon Mobilités launched a local version of the internationally successful Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative for the Ginko public transport network, which it manages for the metropolitan area. The programme aims to better understand and support passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism, cognitive or sensory disabilities, or severe anxiety.
2,000
sunflower lanyards with cards distributed by the end of January 2026
10m
people in France have a hidden disability
46
bus lines and 2 tram lines make up the Ginko network
Special training for employees
By wearing their sunflower lanyard, passengers can discreetly signal to our bus and tram employees that they may need additional support. Through training delivered in partnership with non-profit organizations, our customer service staff, conductors, sales agents and drivers are learning to be even more patient and empathetic, giving passengers the extra time and attention they need. Free sunflower lanyards are available on request through the end of January 2026.
Phased roll-out
To mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Keolis announced it will launch its Sunflower initiative in three stages:
- Presentation to local disability organizations
- Training for customer-facing employees
- Official launch (late January 2026)
First of its kind in France
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programme—launched in 2016 at London Gatwick Airport—has now spread around the world. It is used in a wide range of settings, from retail and air travel to healthcare, local and national government services, theme parks, theatres, financial institutions and public transport.
Keolis already uses sunflower lanyards at two of its international subsidiaries: Keolis Downer Adelaide and Keolis Downer Northern Beaches, both in Australia. Keolis Besançon Mobilités is the first French subsidiary to implement the programme.
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