5 million passengers in one year for the Marseille-Nice train
The ZOU! Marseille-Nice line celebrated its first anniversary with 5 million passengers, a very positive result.
On June 30 in Toulon, the ZOU! Marseille-Nice line, the first regional connection opened to competition in France, celebrated its first anniversary.
Renaud Muselier, President of the Région, and Thierry Mallet, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Transdev, celebrated this success in the presence of numerous local figures, including Josée Massi, Mayor of Toulon, and Jean-Louis Masson, President of the Département.
10,000 TRAINS
With more than 5 million passengers carried in twelve months, the initiative stands out as a success. This represents a spectacular 45% increase in passenger numbers in a single year.
This performance was made possible by doubling the service, guaranteeing a train every hour between Marseille and Nice. The line serves nine strategic stations (Marseille, Toulon, Carnoules, Les Arcs, Saint-Raphaël, Cannes, Antibes, Nice Saint-Augustin, and Nice Ville). Since the launch, more than 10,000 trains have run.
The quality of service is also excellent, with a passenger satisfaction rate reaching 96% and a constantly improving reliability rate, rising from 94% in 2024 to 98.59% for the first half of 2026.
This success is built on significant material investments. Sixteen new, more comfortable and reliable Alstom trainsets replaced the five old Corail trainsets, which had failing air conditioning systems. Each new train offers 400 seats, Wi-Fi connection, a dining area, dedicated bicycle spaces, optimized access for people with reduced mobility, as well as a video protection system.
At the same time, staff numbers were increased to 220 agents, resources allocated to security were doubled, and a new maintenance site was inaugurated in Nice.
OPENING TO COMPETITION
This first review validates the choices made in favor of opening up the rail market.
"One year after the launch of this line, the results are there: more trains, more passengers, better punctuality, and record satisfaction. Reaching the milestone of 5 million passengers confirms that opening up to competition is the right choice for users and for the regional public service," welcomed Renaud Muselier.
"Crossing the milestone of 5 million passengers in one year is a source of great pride for Transdev and confirms the relevance of the choices made on this line, particularly the doubling of the service wanted by the Région Sud. This first milestone commits us: work continues to further improve the passenger experience," concluded Thierry Mallet, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Transdev.
Photo Lara BALAIS.