The Occitanie region is launching an operation aimed at 18-26 year olds to give them free access to trains.
For the youngest people who are suffering from the health crisis and its economic consequences, the cost of journeys should be reduced.
The Occitanie region wants to give a boost to 18-26 year olds while allowing the train to become part of their travel habits.
With the launch of a dedicated application, the youngest will gradually be able to take the TER without paying out of pocket.
"The objective is to encourage the use of public transport, to move from Blablacar to public transport", explains at the microphone of Europe 1 the vice-president of the region in charge of Transport, Jean-Luc Gibelin.
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In concrete terms, the first five round trips of the month will have a reduced price of 50%.
Then the trips will be free.
In addition, beyond 15 return trips per month, young travelers will not have to pay for the first trips of the following month either.
"Anyone who uses [the train often] is rewarded: because he will use it, it will end up becoming free for him", explains Jean-Luc Gibelin.
He insists, however: it is not a question of promoting the "open bar", but of creating a path towards free admission to retain young people.
Open to everyone 18-26 years old from September
The region has favored this age group given its need for mobility and its precariousness with the effects of the health and economic crisis.
"[We are targeting] in particular those who are going through a more complicated period. Some have said that being 20 in 2020 was complicated, we are offering something that is useful," the elected official concluded.
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Initially, 2,000 young people will benefit from this offer from April.
Then, this rate will be open to all 18-26 year olds by the start of the September school year.
The cost is estimated at 1.5 million euros for the Occitanie region.