Expanding Subscription Options
Since its introduction in 2019, the Navigo Liberté+ has garnered over one million subscriptions by February 2025. It operates on a post-payment basis where travelers are billed monthly based on the trips they make. This scheme is particularly suited for occasional travelers or those who prefer not to commit to a monthly or annual subscription.
As of January 1, 2025, the cost per ride on the metro, RER, or train under this scheme is set at €1.99, compared to €2.50 for a single ticket. Bus and tram journeys cost €1.60. With the discontinuation of the sale of discounted 10-ticket booklets, digitization will become the only way to save on individual metro tickets.
Smartphone Accessibility
Until now, the Navigo Liberté+ was only available as a physical card. From June 2025, it will be usable directly on Android or iOS smartphones. Users will simply need to tap their device on a validator to record their journey. According to Île-de-France Mobilités, this validation process will even work when the phone is switched off. The trips made will be recorded in a dedicated app, and the associated charges will be billed the following month.
This new feature has been tested for a year with 200 users who have compatible smartphones. The aim is to provide an alternative to the physical card for those who use public transport sporadically.
Gradual Digitization of Transit Passes
This development is part of a broader trend towards the digitization of transit passes in Île-de-France. Since 2022, various types of passes, including single tickets and daily, weekly, and monthly subscriptions have been available in digital format.
The annual Navigo pass is still in physical form. However, progress is being made in this area as well, with Île-de-France Mobilités planning to make it available on smartphones by the end of 2025. This timeline is based on technical priorities and the need to first digitize passes that require frequent renewal.
Transforming Access to Public Transport
With the integration of Navigo Liberté+ on smartphones, users will have an additional method to validate their journeys. This change is part of efforts to modernize access to public transportation and simplify its use. The shift towards entirely digital tickets is expected to continue in the coming years. Unfortunately, those who are not comfortable with smartphones, apps, or new technology in general, will have to continue paying the higher price of €2.50 per single ticket, which is quite unfortunate.