The Métropole Aix-Marseille Provence, a regional authority covering parts of southern France, is planning to end its policy of free public transport and replace it with a system that charges users based on their ability to pay. President Nicolas Isnard announced this plan on September 24, emphasizing that the move reflects a shared goal among most elected officials in the region. He described the new approach as "more fair, more responsible," arguing that everyone should help fund public transport, especially since it is costly to maintain, and that people should pay according to their financial situation. This change marks the end of 15 years of free public transport in Aubagne, a city in the region. The new policy will mainly affect children under 11 and retirees over 65 across the Métropole. Isnard explained that currently, some well-off retirees do not pay for transport, while low-income workers pay full fare, creating an imbalance. He said the goal is to correct this by ensuring that everyone contributes, but in a way that considers their means. The impact of this decision will be most noticeable in Aubagne, where free transport has been in place since 2009. However, the change is not yet in effect. It must be approved by the metropolitan council during a meeting on October 15. Isnard said the move is part of an effort to create a "balanced budget" and address a current funding shortfall of 50 million euros. He estimates that the new system could recover between 3 to 5 million euros in the final three months of 2026, helping to set the region on a more sustainable financial path. Regarding the new pricing system, Isnard noted that exact rates have not yet been determined. However, he assured users that there will be a "contribution, even modest," from each person using public transport. He emphasized that there will be "no tariff revolution," meaning that users should not see a dramatic increase in their transport costs. The focus remains on fairness and sustainability, aiming to ensure public transport remains accessible while being financially viable for the region.