Over the past two decades, the French metropolis of Montpellier on the Mediterranean has impressed with the construction and expansion of a completely new, modern low-floor tram network, which currently comprises 4 lines and continues to grow. Two more new sections will be added by the end of the year: Odysséum – Gare TGV (line T1) and Clapiers – Lavérune (T5).
At the same time, ideas for improving the bus network have also been discussed locally over the past few years, resulting in a higher-quality service with the characteristics of the ‘Bus a haut niveau de service’ system (BHNS, analogous to the internationally popular term BRT – Bus Rapid Transit), which is also familiar from other French cities. In order to emphasise the proximity to the successful tram in terms of frequency, punctuality, comfort and attractiveness, the new network is being marketed under the name ‘Bustram’.
On 22 January 2025, representatives of the city, the region and the bus manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus France, together with the design artist, unveiled the design concept for the first Bustram line. Bustram was designed by the famous French poster artist and illustrator Alain LE QUERNEC and continues the artistic tradition of Montpellier’s tram network, which has chosen a unique, individual design for each line.
MAN is supplying a total of 70 electric buses with a range of 250 kilometres. They are divided into 50 MAN Lion’s City 12E and 20 MAN Lion’s City 18E articulated vehicles.
The new system is scheduled to go into operation on 23 May 2025. The project envisages the creation of 5 lines that will complement the existing public transport network and thus provide a contemporary response to the changing mobility needs of the metropolitan region. From 2025, 70% of the metropolitan area’s population and 90% of Montpellier’s population will be covered by tram and bus tram.
