Monaco’s public bus system is back on the rise. The Monaco Bus Company (CAM) recently announced that the number of trips on its network surpassed seven million in 2023, marking a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels. This achievement highlights a growing trend toward “soft mobility” in the Principality, with the government ramping up efforts to get more people on buses and out of cars.
This milestone is particularly significant considering the fluctuations in recent years. In 2017, CAM hit the same seven million mark, only to see a drop to six million in the years before the pandemic, and an even more dramatic decline during 2020 and 2021, when trips fell to around four million. By bouncing back in 2023, the bus network has proven resilient, and the future of public transport in Monaco looks more promising than ever.
Experimenting with New Approaches
The challenge, however, remains: convincing Monegasque residents and commuters and visitors to choose public transportation over their cars. In response, the government rolled out several new experiments in 2024 to tackle this issue, aiming to make buses a more attractive and convenient option.
Céline Caron, Minister of Equipment had explained the government’s strategy: “We need to shift the balance from cars to public transport.”
To combat this, new express lines were launched before the 2024 Grand Prix. These routes serve key areas such as the Salines car park, Condamine, and Monte Carlo, with buses running every 15 minutes. Another route connects Larvotto and Fontvieille, offering faster travel options through major districts.
ClicBus: On-Demand Transport in Isolated Districts
Another initiative is the *ClicBus*, an on-demand transport system serving less accessible areas like Plati, Les Fleurs, and Annonciade. This system, which operates using electric minibuses, allows passengers to request a pickup from a designated bus stop via a mobile app or phone. It fills a gap in public transport, particularly for those in districts not well-served by regular bus lines.
While some had hoped that the government would implement free public transport, as seen in places like Luxembourg and Montpellier, this idea is not currently playing out. Nevertheless, these efforts reflect a serious push to modernize and improve Monaco’s public transportation, offering residents faster, more flexible options for getting around.
The Road Ahead for Monaco’s Public Transport
Monaco’s ambitious plans to expand its public transport options demonstrate a clear commitment to easing the Principality’s congestion and promoting eco-friendly alternatives. Whether it’s express lines or the flexibility of on-demand minibuses, these initiatives are designed to address the biggest pain points for bus users. As 2024 unfolds, the success of these experiments will determine how Monaco’s transport system evolves, but one thing is clear: public transit is on the rise, and it’s here to stay.
