Overview
- The Métropole announced on Thursday that it will terminate free public‑transport measures that covered Aubagne’s unconditional free buses and Marseille’s 2025 gratuity for seniors and children under 11.
- President Nicolas Isnard said the move is meant to cut costs and save about €15 million a year as part of work to fill a reported €53 million gap in the metropolitan budget.
- Aubagne’s mayor, Jean‑Pierre Squillari, called the decision unilateral and said his municipal government will seek political and legal remedies while local associations and users prepare collective opposition.
- Implementation details are unresolved and the Métropole has scheduled a social, income‑based tariff to be presented at the 15 October budget rectification vote, with further fare increases also under consideration.
- Supporters of free transit warn the change will hit household budgets and environmental goals, and the dispute highlights friction over metropolitan authority versus municipal autonomy and possible court battles ahead.