Tootbus Tuscany connects Florence with Siena, Pisa and Lucca

A new travel service called Tootbus Tuscany has been introduced in Florence, offering a combined transport and digital guide system for visitors exploring the region. The initiative is operated by RATP Dev, the international mobility arm of the Paris public transport group, which also manages local bus services in Tuscany (with AT company) and the tramway network in Florence, and marks the first time the service has been tested in Italy.

The system, already active in cities such as Paris, London and Brussels, was presented in Florence in recent weeks. Tuscany has been selected as the first region in the country to pilot the model.

Two routes connecting Florence to major destinations

• Terracotta Line: Florence – Siena – San Gimignano
• Green Line: Florence – Pisa – Lucca

Unlike traditional hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses, Tootbus Tuscany focuses on transport between cities rather than within them. Pass holders can travel by coach between the five destinations, then continue exploring on foot.

Prices start from €75.65 for a two-day pass, with higher rates for three- and five-day options. The ticket includes intercity transport between the selected destinations as well as access to the app’s audio guides, walking tours and digital assistant. Exact prices may vary depending on availability and booking conditions.

A combined transport and digital experience

The service is based on a subscription model, with passes available for two, three or five days. In addition to transport, the package includes a range of digital tools accessible through a dedicated mobile app.

These include:

• Audio guides introducing each destination during the journey
• Self-guided walking tours within each city, with mapped routes and points of interest
• A multilingual virtual assistant, called “Tootie”, designed to provide personalised recommendations

The assistant uses artificial intelligence and has been trained using local cultural content, including collaborations with organisations such as Destination Florence. It is available in around 50 languages.

Focus on sustainable travel

According to the company, the project aims to promote a more sustainable way of visiting Tuscany by reducing reliance on private cars for intercity travel while encouraging walking within historic centres.

This approach reflects ongoing efforts in many Italian cities, including Florence, to manage tourist flows and limit traffic pressure, particularly in areas with restricted vehicle access.

Trial phase until October 2026

Tootbus Tuscany will operate on a trial basis until 31 October 2026. The pilot phase will allow operators to assess demand and evaluate the effectiveness of combining transport with digital-guided experiences.

Practical information

• Start date: 18 March 2026
• Routes: Florence–Siena–San Gimignano; Florence–Pisa–Lucca
• Pass duration: 2, 3 or 5 days
• Services included: intercity transport, audio guides, walking tours, AI assistant
• Trial period: until 31 October 2026

Further details are available on the service’s official website and app platforms.

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