The Syndicat des Mobilités de Touraine has renewed its partnership with Kuba to modernize and expand the Fil Bleu ticketing system, supporting the continued growth of the network and the future launch of Tram Line 2. The programme will introduce open payment, deploy next-generation ticketing equipment, and enhance digital services to deliver a simpler, more seamless passenger experience across the Tours metropolitan area. 

Facilitating access through digital innovation

The project includes the deployment of open payment across the entire network, enabling passengers to travel simply using their bank cards. Whether through traditional physical cards or digital wallets on smartphones, Fil Bleu users will benefit from a simplified and innovative travel experience. Kuba’s open payment solution, implemented in partnership with La Banque Postale, will be deployed across more than 20 public transport networks in France by 2026.

A technological showcase

The onboard validator, Kuba’s new flagship product, combines ease of use, elegant design, and cutting-edge technology. Assembled in France, it benefits from a local industrial supply chain that ensures quality, flexibility, and responsiveness to meet the evolving needs of transport authorities.

In addition, the software suite deployed in Tours is powered by KubaPay, Kuba’s latest-generation SaaS platform. Well established in the market, KubaPay processes more than 30 million transactions every month across regional and metropolitan public transport networks. The platform delivers a fast, intuitive, and seamless purchasing experience while enabling future innovation in the passenger journey.

A phased program

The development program is structured around the modernization of the existing system before expanding to support the future tramway line. Aligned with the various phases of the “Tram Line 2” project, the ticketing program will run from summer 2026 through summer 2028. Ultimately, more than 1,300 Kuba devices will support passenger transactions across the network.

A responsible modernization

The program prioritizes the reuse and enhancement of existing equipment wherever appropriate, helping to reduce the project’s environmental footprint while optimizing public investment. This approach combines technological innovation, cost efficiency, and sustainability.

Tarik Dinane, Chief Commercial Officer of Kuba and Managing Director of Kuba France, said:

“This project perfectly illustrates our ability to support long-standing customers through their most strategic transformations. By combining next-generation equipment, innovative digital services, local industrial expertise, and the intelligent reuse of existing infrastructure, we deliver a solution that is efficient, sustainable, and economically sound. We are proud to continue our collaboration with the Syndicat des Mobilités de Touraine and support the future development of mobility across the region.”

Emmanuel Denis, President of the Syndicat des Mobilités de Touraine and Vice-President for Mobility at Tours Métropole, said:

“From purchasing a ticket to using it, passengers are looking for simplicity. By renewing our trust in Kuba, we will further enhance ease of payment through the deployment of open payment and support the universality of payment methods. This collaboration is also an opportunity to evolve our ticketing systems towards greater interoperability, an essential lever for decarbonizing mobility, with the prospect of creating a single ticketing solution for our future SERM project.”