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Post by twobellstogo on Nov 2, 2012 12:13:36 GMT
So......
I've just returned from a few days in Paris, and had the chance to travel on most of the metro lines (not 1, 4, 13, 14, 3bis, 7bis, but at least once on all the others), and on RER lines B and C.
The trains have their own certain sort of charm (particularly the older MF 67s/MP 73s with their door handles and suchlike, though the new stuff is also interesting), but Paris has a serious vandalism/graffiti problem (far, far worse than London), and most line's trains suffer badly from scratched windows (line 9's trains for some reason were in much better shape that way than the others, and that line still has MF 67s), and most of the RER trains could do with a good wash!
It's well worth travelling the length of line 6 : the views, especially between Dupleix and Passy are stunning.
Must return soon : was a shame I never got round to the automatic lines 1 and 14! ;D
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2012 14:43:44 GMT
I do not know why the Paris Metro is subsurface in London Underground classifications but their new trains have airconditioning and the rest don't!  |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2012 15:20:12 GMT
I think because a lot of it (especially the 'early' lines) are fairly nearly the surface. Of course, later extensions and new lines are much deeper.
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Post by twobellstogo on Nov 2, 2012 17:11:50 GMT
I think because a lot of it (especially the 'early' lines) are fairly nearly the surface. Of course, later extensions and new lines are much deeper. The vast majority of the Paris Metro is close to the surface : some parts are deeper (notably lines 3bis and 14, and parts of lines 9 and 13), but tunnels are large. Underground RER lines were built later, and are generally deeper than Metro tunnels. For those unaware, Metro stations are generally a lot closer together than LU stations (think DLR sorts of gaps). |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 2, 2012 23:29:49 GMT
Having to commute almost three hours every day on the network, I can only (and sadly) agree with you on the vandalism problem — as much as the reliability one, which I hope you didn't suffer much ;D That said, I'm quite amazed by what the RATP did on the lines 1 and 14 automation — no driver at all is like magic ! For those unaware, Metro stations are generally a lot closer together than LU stations (think DLR sorts of gaps). Indeed, on many lines (8 in the central part, 7, 9 on some parts…) you can clearly see the next stations, the passengers waiting for their train… |
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Post by twobellstogo on Nov 3, 2012 11:08:09 GMT
Having to commute almost three hours every day on the network, I can only (and sadly) agree with you on the vandalism problem — as much as the reliability one, which I hope you didn't suffer much ;D The RATP did OK on the reliability stakes for me, though apparently there were long delays on RER line A for most of the Tuesday of this week, so that line was avoided... |
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metman
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5056 05/12/1961-23/04/2012 RIP
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Post by metman on Nov 3, 2012 11:20:02 GMT
The stations are certainly close together. On many occasions the driver has lifted off 10 seconds after beginning motoring! Love the Paris metro though.
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Post by twobellstogo on Nov 3, 2012 14:30:33 GMT
Just as a thought, is there an online forum like this that covers the Paris Metro/RER? My French is good enough to be able to contribute without looking silly!!!!! ;D
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Post by snoggle on Nov 3, 2012 15:08:28 GMT
So...... I've just returned from a few days in Paris, and had the chance to travel on most of the metro lines (not 1, 4, 13, 14, 3bis, 7bis, but at least once on all the others), and on RER lines B and C. The trains have their own certain sort of charm (particularly the older MF 67s/MP 73s with their door handles and suchlike, though the new stuff is also interesting), but Paris has a serious vandalism/graffiti problem (far, far worse than London), and most line's trains suffer badly from scratched windows (line 9's trains for some reason were in much better shape that way than the others, and that line still has MF 67s), and most of the RER trains could do with a good wash! It's well worth travelling the length of line 6 : the views, especially between Dupleix and Passy are stunning. Must return soon : was a shame I never got round to the automatic lines 1 and 14! ;D Yes it is an interesting system and generally reliable. I was there about 7 months ago after a long break in visits. I too was surprised at the extent of the vandalism and graffiti and thought RATP might have made efforts to get on top of the issue. They clearly haven't managed. System reliability was pretty good but there were delays and problems which I have not really experienced before. Perhaps the signs of age creeping in on several lines? I tried several of the tram lines which was a new experience given how they have expanded. I also ventured on to some new bits of the suburban rail network which was also an experience. My next visit will be timed to take in the three or four (I've lost count) extensions or new tram lines that are nearing completion. A fantastic investment by the RATP and one which London really should be trying to copy. Update having checked RATP website www.ratp.fr/fr/ratp/c_5054/les-grands-projets/Tram 1 extension to Val de Fontenay - opens 2016 Tram 1 extension to Asnieres Genevilliers - opens 15/11/12 Tram 2 extension to Bezons - opens 19/11/12 Tram 3 extension to Porte de la Chapelle - opens 15/12/12 Tram 5 new line - early 2013 but no date yet. Some testing has been done. Tram 6 new line - part opens Spring 2014 and completes Spring 2015 (for the short tunnelled section) Tram 7 new line - October 2013 Tram 8 new line - sometime in 2014 Metro Line 4 extension to Mairie de Montrouge - March 2013 Metro Line 4 extension from Montrouge to Bagneux - 2019 so a long way off. Metro Line 11 extension from Les Lilas to Rosny - 2019 so a long way off. Metro Line 12 extension to Front Poplulaire - 18/12/12. There is a second phase adding 2 more stns still under construction. Metro Line 14 extension to St Ouen - at the public enquiry stage but indicative opening date in 2017 Most of the big Metro schemes are at the planning enquiry stage but it is telling that there is no reticence in Paris about extending the Metro whereas in London we seem to have forgotten about it barring the daft Battersea extension. |
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Post by snoggle on Nov 4, 2012 18:01:58 GMT
Just as a thought, is there an online forum like this that covers the Paris Metro/RER? My French is good enough to be able to contribute without looking silly!!!!! ;D Courtesy of a link on London Reconnections there is this. www.metro-pole.net/There does appear to be a forum accessible from the main page. |
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