International audience The control of French local or regional transport networks is being partially (but continually since 1982) transferred from the state administration and from transport companies to local authorities. Since the mid nineties, the cities have increased their expertise request for a sustainable mobility. How does the French urban transport expertise renew itself? This paper focuses on the links between innovation and know-how acquisition among the most important private consulting companies. Some national semi-private and public organisations are also briefly described.