France: Public transport is already free in 39 cities and towns. Montpellier is not the only French city where residents do not have to pay anything for public transport. Since France handed over traffic management to municipal authorities in 2015, the concept has spread to 39 cities and towns.

Public transport is not free nationwide in France, but it is free in several specific cities and regions. As of 2026, over 40 French municipalities have implemented "zero-fare" public transit to reduce carbon emissions and congestion, with Dunkirk, Montpellier, and Aubagne being the most prominent examples. In these cities, both residents and visitors can ride buses and trams without a ticket. However, in major hubs like Paris (Île-de-France), transport remains a paid service. In fact, Paris saw a fare increase in early 2026, with the monthly Navigo pass rising to over €90. While the national "Pass Rail" provides unlimited regional train travel for young people during the summer for a flat fee, standard high-speed TGV trains and most city networks still require the purchase of a ticket. France is a world leader in experimenting with free transit, but for most travelers, the "default" is still a paid system.