Feedback from Sophie Chimier, Head of New Technologies at CTY
New network, new routes, and a new SAE for the Compagnie des Transports du Yonnais
As part of the renewal of its public service delegation, the Compagnie des Transports du Yonnais, a subsidiary of the RATP Dev group, has adopted our new SAE Unicore a more advanced and reliable system installed on the vehicles of the urban network.
A long-time Hubup client through its use of Inlink and Flexnav, the Impulsyon-branded network has now equipped its 55 vehicles with Unicore, installed on a certified, market-recognized router. We spoke with Sophie Chimier, Head of New Technologies at the Compagnie des Transports du Yonnais.
Sophie, can you introduce CTY ?
CTY, formerly known as STY and founded in 1976, is a private company operating under a public service delegation for a single client: La Roche-sur-Yon Agglomération. It operates the Impulsyon network, which serves the 13 municipalities of the Yonnais urban area, covering a population of around 90,000 residents.
Until 2024, the network included 13 regular lines, 2 night lines, an evening campus shuttle, and on-demand services. Since September 2, 2024, the network has been redesigned: now, 7 regular lines serve La Roche-sur-Yon, and 6 cross-town lines cover the entire urban area.
Could you please introduce yourself ?
I work at CTY (formerly STY), a long-established network that I joined in the early 2000s. I started as a receptionist, then moved into marketing before becoming Head of New Technologies five years ago. Today, I manage all onboard equipment (radios, destination signs, SAE, ticketing) and ensure that the commercial offer matches user needs.
As part of the renewal of the public service delegation, CTY, a subsidiary of the RATP group, chose Hubup for its operational support and passenger information system, as well as for managing its onboard equipment.
Today, these lines have been combined, allowing one line to serve two municipalities. Service has been increased in 6 to 7 municipalities, with buses running every 30 minutes during peak hours. For the urban lines, the big change concerns the end points: instead of turning around, some lines are now extended along new routes.
Result: more direct trips and double coverage, without always passing through the city center.
As part of the Impulsyon network redesign, the visual identity was modernized and the buses were rebranded. The operation of the lines was also redesigned to improve clarity and smoothness of journeys. Previously, lines from the outer municipalities only converged at Place Napoléon, without always offering convenient connections.
What are the new features of the transport offer ?
What criteria led you to choose Unicore ?
What really tipped the scales was the driver interface, along with the ability to see the buses in real time. Previously, we had very little real-time information, and sometimes even incorrect data. Finally, the price was also an important factor.
To meet our specific needs, the fact that all requirements were met while benefiting from a more affordable offer for an urban network like ours was especially appealing.
Why did you switch to a new SAE ?
This change was part of the renewal of the public service delegation. Our old SAE, based on an outdated analog radio, needed to be modernized. Rather than choosing between a light or heavy SAE, we compared the features offered. In La Roche-sur-Yon, our priority was to have mapping for the driver, including stops with early or late indicators, as well as GPS and routing.
We were already using Inlink and Flexnav with you, which also influenced our decision to go with your Unicore SAE. Additionally, not all heavy SAEs offered mapping with GPS.
How was the migration perceived by the client ?
The client had previously had a very bad experience with the installation of a heavy SAE system. La Roche-sur-Yon Agglomération, which usually buys the systems to own them and keep the tools when the service provider changes, this time chose not to invest or own the equipment, leaving the provider free to choose their tools.
We are fortunate to have a good relationship with the agglomeration, which allowed us to work with full trust and without causing them any concerns.
So you didn’t need to reassure them.
No, and we didn’t want to go back to our previous SAE provider. Given our past experience, if things had gone wrong, it would have been difficult to justify that choice.
How did the group respond to the migration ?
We were fortunate to have a director who supported our approach and responded to the call for tenders. On my side, I did some research on the different providers, compared their offers, and we ultimately decided to go with Hubup. That said, we still had to reassure the group before finalizing the decision.
What did you highlight to reassure the group ?
They were initially concerned about the technical side, but Hubup was able to reassure them. The group was used to working with the SIRI format for real-time data and using specific interfaces to connect their various tools. Hubup addressed their concerns through several discussions.
In the end, our choice turned out to be the right one! There's nothing today that makes us regret this decision or suggests we should have gone with a heavier SAE system.
That’s good news !
Yes, to this day, even though it’s a young product with room to grow, it fully meets our current needs.
How did the internal implementation go ?
The fact that we already had an established contact and a relationship of trust built over time through our partnership on Flexnav and Inlink influenced our decision.
In La Roche-sur-Yon, we value innovative products even if they’re not yet fully proven because it gives us the opportunity to help shape them according to our needs.
And what was the reaction from the drivers?
The drivers responded very positively to the tool. A test phase on 5 buses allowed them to get comfortable with the tablet, with no pressure. With the new network and updated routes, the GPS proved to be a real help. In our case, I didn’t receive any negative feedback about the SAE, and the drivers adopted the tool very quickly.
And what about the agglomeration’s reaction ?
For the agglomeration, what matters most is that everything runs smoothly. As long as we're able to handle customer complaints by providing the necessary information, the buses operate without issues, and services aren't disrupted, that's what truly counts.
How did the support from Hubup go ?
Honestly, everything went very well. Communication was smooth, the installation was straightforward—so much so that the workshop was surprised by how easy it was. The follow-up is responsive, with quick feedback and a system that’s constantly evolving.
You installed the routers yourselves, right ?
Yes, in La Roche-sur-Yon, we chose to handle the installations internally. This allows us to better manage any technical issues that may arise. Within a month and a half, 55 vehicles were equipped, including the ticketing system, which took a bit longer to set up.
Communication between Hubup and the suppliers goes well. Hubup is attentive and offers solutions accordingly.
And how are the relationships with your partners ?
Communication between Hubup and the suppliers goes well. Hubup is attentive and offers solutions accordingly.
And how are the relationships with your partners ?
What does Unicore bring as an SAE ?
Unicore is comprehensive yet remains simple and user-friendly. Everything is centralized in a single tool, which is a real advantage.
Do you use Geowatch ?
A bit, yes! A lot has changed recently, both with the network and the equipment, so it’s not fully part of their routine yet. For now, not everyone has the habit of using it, but those who do think it’s great because they can quickly see the vehicle in real time.
Thank you, Sophie, for sharing your experience, and thanks to the Impulsyon teams for their trust!
We wish them a smooth journey ahead.
