Opening up the bus network to competition
Until recently, the Paris and inner suburban bus network was operated exclusively by RATP. As part of the move towards competition, the model has changed significantly: bus routes have been divided into 12 lots, put out to tender and awarded to various operators—both public and private—following a competitive procurement process. At the end of this process, RATP Group secured 70% of the contracts through its subsidiary, RATP Cap Île-de-France.
The transition is already under way, with a focus on ensuring transparency and a smooth experience for passengers and the local authorities concerned.
Key project milestones
A phased process since 2021:
2021: launch of the first competitive tendering procedures for bus networks in the outer suburbs.
April 2023: the French National Assembly adopted a bill extending RATP’s monopoly from the end of 2024 to the end of 2026, to avoid disruption during the 2024 Olympic Games.
Autumn 2024: award of the first lots to various operators under tenders issued by Île-de-France Mobilités.
From 1 November 2025 to 1 November 2026: gradual transfer of the 12 lots to the new operators.
2030: opening up tram networks to competition.
Phased roll-out
RATP Cap Île-de-France has been awarded eight lots:
« RATP Cap Boucle Nord de Seine » (lot 42) and « RATP Cap Boucles de Marne » (lot 45), awarded on 1 November 2025 for a period of eight years;
« RATP Cap Massy-Juvisy » (lot 36), awarded on 1 March 2026 for a period of six years;
« RATP Cap Défense Ouest » (lot 41), « RATP Cap Plaine Saint-Denis » (lot 43), awarded on 1 May 2026, and « RATP Cap Pompadour » (lot 46), awarded on 1 August 2026 for a period of nine years;
« RATP Cap Rive Gauche » (lot 48) and « RATP Cap Rive Droite » (lot 49), awarded on 1 November 2026 for a period of nine years.
Three key objectives
By opening up the RATP-operated bus network, Île-de-France Mobilités aimed to:
stimulate competition to improve service quality;
optimise operating costs;
comply with European requirements for the gradual opening up of public transport services to competition.
"2025 was a landmark year for RATP Cap Île-de-France, which has become the leading operator of the Paris and inner suburban bus network, securing over 70% of the contracts and retaining 75% of RATP staff. This reflects the trust placed in us by Île-de-France Mobilités and recognises our unique expertise. Following the successful transition of the first bus public service contracts and the successful takeover of the T12 and T13 tram-train operations—a first for the Group on the French national rail network—we are ready to meet the challenges of 2026."
Xavier Léty
Chairman of RATP Cap Île-de-France
RATP Cap Île-de-France
Established in 2021, RATP Cap Île-de-France is a subsidiary of RATP Group responsible for operating public service transport contracts on behalf of Île-de-France Mobilités as part of the opening up to competition. Its expertise covers the operation and maintenance of all modes of public transport—bus, tram, rail, and demand-responsive transport—delivering sustainable and efficient mobility for passengers.