The RATP is preparing for a tense summer in the face of repeated heatwaves

Following an exceptional heatwave that severely disrupted public transport in the Île-de-France region, the RATP (Parisian public transport operator) is implementing a permanent system to anticipate future heatwaves. A dedicated team, established last week, is now responsible for assessing different scenarios daily in order to quickly adapt network operations when temperatures rise.

The company's CEO, Xavier Piechaczyk, explains that this structure is designed to better protect infrastructure, which is particularly vulnerable on overhead lines. Extreme heat can cause deformation of the rails and road surfaces, requiring technical teams to increase their monitoring. Sensors installed on several sections of the network now transmit track temperatures in real time.

In response to the extreme heat, the RATP is adapting its network

When certain thresholds are reached, precautionary measures are implemented to ensure the safety of train operations. On the Paris metro, for example, train speeds are reduced as soon as the rails reach 57 degrees Celsius. Underground lines are generally less susceptible to heat waves, although they are not entirely immune to the consequences of extreme temperatures.

The recent heatwave also had a direct impact on public transport usage. Many users limited their travel, resulting in a significant drop in the number of passengers on the metro, RER, and bus networks in the Île-de-France region.

To improve passenger comfort, RATP is continuing to roll out air-conditioned ventilation systems on its trains and plans to gradually extend this equipment to its entire fleet. The installation of new water fountains in stations also supports this strategy, while a comprehensive climate change adaptation plan has been announced for the coming year, a sign that extreme heat events are now a significant and ongoing challenge for public transport.