Paris Metro: A Return to Normal in April 2023?
This page is translated from the original post "Métro Paris : un retour à la normale en avril 2023 ?" in French.
- 15/01/2023 12:00
The new CEO of RATP, Jean Castex, promised that the Paris metro and the city’s buses will soon return to their normal frequency.
Former Prime Minister of Emmanuel Macron from 2019 to 2022, Jean Castex joined RATP and has been serving as CEO since last December. He arrives with a heavy workload, as users of the public transport system in Paris and its suburbs – including us at Mobiwisy – are quite dissatisfied with the service. It has struggled to return to its pre-COVID conditions from three years ago, with reduced metro frequencies and a shortage of buses and trams. This misery is compounded by the rising prices of the Navigo Pass and tickets.
Getting Better in January for the Paris Metro?
Having recently arrived at the end of November, the new head sought to reassure Île-de-France residents. He spoke during a press conference on January 13, the day after his first board meeting. “The quality of service in our public transports operated by the RATP group has degraded over recent months” recalled Jean Castex, “the level of deterioration varies depending on the lines”.
Indeed, Line 12 of the metro leads the way, with frequencies halved last fall, the highest disruption rate (about 6 hours average in December), and even now, only 86% of trains are operational. However, on average, the number of trains has returned to 96.3% in January 2023, compared to less than 90% in December.
“I want to express my regrets and apologies to the millions of daily users of our services”, adds the new leader, “and my deep commitment […] to improve things as quickly as possible”. He promises with RATP that “the return to normal service levels will extend until April 1”.
RATP Does Not Forget the Buses
While the metro is gradually resuming activity, buses are still far from satisfying users. At the end of 2022, RATP, along with operators Keolis and Transdev, struggled to run more than 75% of buses compared to pre-COVID levels. However, January 2023 looks much better for Île-de-France residents, with the availability reportedly rising to 85% according to the group.
The target is 98%, but with a gradual return and no exact date set. The RATP also states that the tramways aim for similar recovery, with plans to recruit 4,500 drivers this year.
Read also: Paris Metro: a facelift for Line 6… with old trains
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