What Is La RATP in Paris?

By Robert Palmer

La RATP, or Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens, is the primary public transportation company in Paris. It operates the city’s metro system, as well as buses and trams.

History of La RATP

La RATP was created in 1949 and took over the responsibility for public transportation in Paris from several private companies. Since then, it has become an essential part of daily life for millions of Parisians and tourists.

Services provided by La RATP

La RATP operates 16 metro lines, over 300 bus routes, and several tram lines. It also manages several RER commuter rail lines that connect Paris to its suburbs.

Metro system

The metro system is one of the most extensive in the world, with over 200 kilometers of track and more than 300 stations. The metro runs from early morning until late at night and is a fast way to get around the city.

Bus system

The bus network covers all parts of the city that are not served by the metro or tram systems. The buses run from early morning until midnight, with some routes operating later into the night.

Tram system

The tram network is a relatively new addition to La RATP’s services, with three lines currently in operation. The trams cover areas of the city that are not served by the metro or bus networks.

Tickets and fares

To use La RATP’s services, passengers must purchase tickets or passes. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines located in metro stations, at ticket booths located in some stations and tram stops, or online.

There are several types of tickets available depending on how long you plan to use public transportation: single-use tickets for one trip; a book of ten tickets; daily or weekly passes; and monthly or yearly passes.

Conclusion

La RATP is an essential part of Parisian life, providing reliable and efficient transportation services to millions of people every day. As a visitor to Paris, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types of services provided by La RATP and the ticket options available to you. With La RATP’s help, you can explore all that Paris has to offer without worrying about transportation.