Transports Bordeaux Métropole (ex. TBC) to discover Bordeaux

Transports Bordeaux Métropole (TBM), formerly Tram et Bus de la Cub, is the vital network that pulses at the heart of one of France's most dynamic and exciting regions. Bordeaux, a city renowned for its UNESCO world heritage, rich culture and thriving urban life, relies on TBM to connect its residents and visitors to its many urban and suburban treasures. In 2016, in a move to modernise and unify, Bordeaux's public transport network adopted the acronym TBM, reflecting its central role in the Bordeaux conurbation. This name change marks a key stage in the network's evolution, symbolising a new era of improved services and a commitment to sustainable mobility accessible to all.

 

Practical information on the TBM network:

If you would like detailed information about Transports Bordeaux Métropole, plan a journey, find out about fares or pay for your season tickets, you can use its website.

Website: infotbm.com

Customer service is also available by email via an online contact form.

You can also download the TBM application onto your Apple or Android smartphone.

 

History and development of the TBM network

Bordeaux's public transport network has undergone a remarkable transformation since its creation, evolving to meet the growing needs of a rapidly expanding metropolis. Initially made up of a few tram and bus lines, it has been transformed into an integrated system covering the whole of the Bordeaux conurbation.

 

Change of name: TBC becomes TBM in 2016

In 2016, the network took a significant step forward by changing its name from "Tram et bus de la Cub (TBC)", the name of the operator that ran it, to "Transports Bordeaux Métropole". 

This change was motivated by the desire to reinforce the network's identity as an essential public service at the heart of daily life in Bordeaux, and not simply as an extension of a private company. The new name also symbolises the ambition to integrate and better serve all the municipalities in the metropolitan area.

 

Main stages in the modernisation and expansion of the network

The modernisation of the TBC network has focused on several major areas:

• Extension of tramway lines: Three tramway lines now cross the city, forming a hub-and-spoke network that facilitates access to and from the city centre. Extension projects continue to be developed to link emerging districts and growing business areas.
• Strengthening bus services: With the addition of high-frequency bus routes and the introduction of night-time services, the bus network effectively complements the tramway, offering extensive and flexible coverage.
• Integration of alternative modes of transport: The deployment of V³ stations, Bordeaux's self-service bicycles, and the introduction of soft mobility solutions (electric scooters, car sharing) illustrate TBM's commitment to sustainable urban mobility.
• Digitalisation and user services: The introduction of mobile applications for journey planning, paperless ticketing, and real-time information boards at stations and stops considerably improve the user experience.

These initiatives show that TBC or Trams et Bus de la Cub is not just a transport operator, but a key player in the urban development of Bordeaux, actively contributing to improving the quality of life of local residents and boosting the local economy. The network continues to evolve, anticipating and accompanying the transformations of this vibrant metropolis.

 

Components of the TBM network, formerly TBC

The Transports Bordeaux Métropole (TBM) network is made up of several modes of transport, designed to provide complete and efficient coverage of the metropolis, making it easier for residents and visitors to get around every day.

 

TBM network modes of transport

• Tramway: With three main lines (A, B and C) and a recently added fourth line (D), the Bordeaux tramway is the mainstay of the TBM network. These lines serve not only the city centre, but also the outlying areas, reducing congestion and offering an environmentally-friendly alternative to private cars.
• Bus: The bus network complements the tramway by serving areas less accessible by rail. It includes regular lines, express lines that connect key points in the city with fewer stops, and night bus services, ensuring mobility at all hours.
• River shuttles: Bat³ shuttles allow you to cross the Garonne, offering not only a practical mode of transport but also a unique view of the city from the water.
• V³ self-service bicycles: The V³ system offers self-service bicycles available throughout the city, encouraging healthy and environmentally-friendly travel.

 

Main TBM (formerly TBC) tramway lines and their role

• Line A: Crosses the city from north-west to south-east, connecting Le Haillan to Floirac. This line is essential for journeys to the main commercial and residential hubs.
• Line B: From Pessac Centre to Claveau, it passes through the University of Bordeaux, providing easy access to the campus for students and staff.
• Line C: This links Les Aubiers to Bègles, via Saint-Jean station, providing a direct link with national and regional rail services.
• Line D: The most recent line, it runs from Bordeaux North to Eysines, improving connectivity for the growing suburbs.

 

Bus services

• Regular bus lines: Serve large areas of Bordeaux and the surrounding region, ensuring integration with other modes of transport in the TBM network.
• Express lines: Designed for fast journeys between major points of interest and business areas, with fewer intermediate stops.
• Night buses: Allowing services to continue after the traditional tram timetable, which is essential for nightlife and shift workers.

Each component of the TBM network is designed to work in synergy, offering fluid mobility accessible to all, underlining Bordeaux Métropole's commitment to an integrated and sustainable approach to urban mobility.

 

TBM (formerly TBC) for tourists: discover Bordeaux by public transport

Using Bordeaux Métropole's public transport (TBM), formerly known as TBC for Trams et Bus de la Cub, offers visitors a practical, economical and environmentally-friendly way to explore the city and its surroundings. The TBM network provides easy access to the main tourist sites while immersing you in local life.

 

Advantages of using the TBM network

• Economical: Travelling by public transport is significantly cheaper than using taxis or hiring a car.
• Ecological: By choosing public transport, visitors are helping to reduce their carbon footprint, an important commitment for a city that values sustainability.
• Practical: With high frequencies and well-planned routes, getting around Bordeaux and its key sites is child's play.

Bordeaux offers special passes for tourists, such as the Bordeaux Métropole CityPass, which provides unlimited access to public transport and many museums and attractions.

Visitors are encouraged to download the TBM mobile application, which provides real-time information on timetables, routes and any disruptions.

 

Major tourist sites accessible via the TBM (formerly TBC) network

Thanks to this extensive public transport network, you can visit several of Bordeaux's key cultural sites, including : 

• Cité du Vin: Accessible via tramway line B, this museum dedicated to wine offers an immersive experience of the world's wine culture.
• Place de la Bourse and Miroir d'eau: Just a short tram ride away on tram line C, these Bordeaux landmarks are a must for any visit to the city.
• Parc Bordelais: This leafy park is easily accessible on the No. 2 bus line, offering a place to relax and enjoy the city centre.

Examples of tourist itineraries using only public transport

• Cultural morning: Start at the Cité du Vin (line B), then get off at the Musée d'Art Contemporain before walking to Place de la Bourse to admire the Miroir d'eau.
• Afternoon relaxation: Take tram line D to the Jardin Botanique for a walk among the exotic plants, then continue to the Parc Bordelais for a picnic break.
• Evenings on the quays: Take line C to the Quais de Bordeaux, where bars, restaurants and views over the river invite you to enjoy a lively evening.

Thanks to TBM, visitors can immerse themselves in Bordeaux's history and culture while enjoying a pleasant, hassle-free travel experience. Each journey reveals a different facet of this magnificent city, making public transport an excellent choice for exploring Bordeaux.

 

Is Bordeaux Metropole planning to extend its tram or bus network?

Bordeaux currently has one of the most modern and busiest tramway networks in France, with four lines (A, B, C and D) serving the city and outlying districts. However, with a rapidly growing population and increasing urbanisation of the outlying districts, the question of extending the tram network is becoming crucial. To meet the challenges of urban transport, Bordeaux Métropole has embarked on a number of projects aimed at improving network coverage and integrating more residential and commercial areas.

One of the major projects is the extension of line D of the tramway, which should link the Gare Saint-Jean district to new areas, particularly to the south of the city, to better serve districts such as Bègles and Floirac. This project should help to relieve congestion on certain roads and provide an effective alternative to the car. Other line extensions are also envisaged, notably for line C, which could be extended westwards, facilitating access to areas such as Le Bouscat and Cauderan.

At the same time, Bordeaux Métropole is working to improve the bus network, in particular to complete coverage of areas not yet adequately served by the tramway. The bus network has been redesigned as part of the ‘Bordeaux Métropole Mobilités’ project, with the aim of creating express routes and improving the frequency of certain bus routes to improve interconnection with other modes of transport. These new routes should provide a better link between the suburban areas and the Bordeaux conurbation, particularly by taking into account the growth in communes such as Cenon, Lormont and Villenave-d'Ornon.

The question of funding remains central to the realisation of these ambitious projects. The Metropole plans to combine public investment, private partnerships and State aid to finance the extension of its transport network. The extension of these networks also aims to promote the energy transition, with the integration of electric or hybrid buses and the introduction of innovative solutions such as trams powered by less invasive overhead lines.