Is the Paris Metro finally accessible to people with disabilities?

Although Paris has one of the largest metro networks in the world, its limited accessibility is a nightmare for people with disabilities.

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games were a huge popular success thanks to an organizing committee expertly led by Tony Estanguet and the help of thousands of volunteers. But they also highlighted the disgraceful state of public transportation in a capital like Paris. While efforts were made in signage and passenger information, it was too late to find a solution to a long-standing problem, the network’s inaccessibility for People with Reduced Mobility (PRM).

Île-de-France Mobilités today announces an ambitious project called “Metro for All.” The goal? Finally making the historic Paris metro network accessible to all travelers. But what a good idea; it’s a pity it wasn’t considered earlier. Because people with disabilities are not the only ones affected. Parents with strollers, elderly people, young children, travelers with luggage, pregnant women… Beyond disabilities, accessibility in transportation must be a guaranteed right, not a privilege reserved for able-bodied bipeds.

Today, 29 out of the 303 stations in the network are accessible independently. And this figure is misleading because 21 of these are on Line 14, the newest line inaugurated in 1998. For over 25 years, nothing has been done. Estimated at 20 billion euros over 20 years, transforming the Paris metro is clearly a colossal project, but by turning the City of Light into a giant playground for the Olympics, public authorities proved that with determination, nothing is impossible. Let’s hope this plan isn’t swept under the rug in favor of new autophobe measures. Cycling safety is obviously crucial, but when you lack the physical means to ride a bike, being able to take the Metro would be appreciated.

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