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How to reinvent the mobility of a territory in record time? This is the challenge brilliantly met by the Communauté d'Agglomération de La Rochelle and Yélo Mobility, accompanied by Padam Mobility and the central purchasing agency for public transport (CATP). In just a few months, a comprehensive Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) and Paratransit service was set up, structuring an unprecedented territorial network.
A look back at a daring, fast and inspiring project.
Always an avant-garde city, let's remember that La Rochelle was a pioneer in self-service bikes as early as 1976, the city is continuing its quest for innovation in terms of mobility. The objective is to combine accessibility, carbon sobriety and user comfort, by responding to the very concrete challenges of peri-urban and rural services, while structuring a network with high added value for users.
The new service package deployed with Padam Mobility via the Yélo on demand application is based on four pillars:
One of the secrets of this express deployment? The use of the CATP, which makes it possible to avoid the cumbersome nature of traditional tenders. Result: a contract in one month, compared to six to twelve months usually. Thanks to its referral to the CATP, Padam Mobility was able to start the project in January, with an operational launch in March 2025.
Behind the technology, a promise: to put the power of algorithms at the service of reality on the ground. The application in the colors of Yélo allows users to book their trips online or via the call center. On the operator side, management is facilitated via an intuitive interface, real-time data and the possibility of sharing routes according to peak demand.
The Isigo Paratransit service goes further by personalizing the experience of each user (adaptation of ascent times, exchanges with associations of people with disabilities, etc.). All supervised closely by the project team during the first weeks post-launch with tests in real conditions and tailor-made training.
The initial feedback has been very encouraging. Among the strengths recognized by the Yélo Mobility teams:
This deployment is part of a wider ambition: to make La Rochelle the first “zero carbon” coastal territory by 2040, with more than 82 million euros mobilized as part of the Territories of Innovation program. Mobility is therefore central to this.
The future of the Rochelle project will be written under the sign of integration. From 2026, all Yélo on demand services will join a global MaaS application, connected to the regional ecosystem via Modalis with a single interface for all trips, from cycling to DRT, from train to boat.
With this project, La Rochelle becomes a laboratory for flexible, decarbonized and inclusive public mobility, proving that it is possible to act quickly at the scale of a complex territory. At a time when many communities are looking to optimize their service and reduce their carbon footprint, the example of Rochelle in partnership with Padam Mobility, is paving the way.
