New Fines on Paris Metro

According to TheLocal.fr, 

fines just went up in the Paris Metro. 

So many people dodge travel costs 

(over 220,000 people/day costing 1 million euros/day),

transport chiefs are going to make it hurt more if caught. 

And the hike in fines not only targets those who don't pay

but also those who make too much noise, talk too loud, play loud music,

don't muzzle their dogs, beg or forget their bag on the metro.

They are so tired of having to issue alerts for suspicious bags

that usually (thankfully) turn out to be nothing, 

they will now fine you if they have to issue an alert due to your forgetfulness. 

Fines for not having your metro ticket 

if stopped by the controls now

is 50 euros. 

Up 50% from when we made the mistake of not keeping our ticket 

in our pocket until we got outside the metro. 

Note to self: 

When traveling the Paris metro,

make sure to keep your used ticket on our person 

until you have exited the station. 

You can use the extra 50 euros on entertainment in Paris! 

(Photo copyright: Kirsten Steen)

New Metro Rule Book~ Missing Paris Day

The RATP, (the Regie Autonome des Transports Parisiens)

has come out with a new metro rule book,

informing travelers on how to behave.

'An Etiquette Manual for the Modern Traveller.'

Twelve new commandments 

in 4 categories:

courtesy, helpfulness, manners and politeness.

The rules run from keeping music low
to observing the No Smoking signs
to reaching for the bottom of the pole
on hot summer days
(keeping one's armpits to one's self)!
No staring, help others
and hold the door for those behind you.

Click here to see the article in TheLocal.fr
or to click on the actual manual
which you can read in French.

(Photo copyright: Kirsten Steen ) 

Metro gets a cleaning~ Missing Paris Day

Paris' state-owned public transport operator RATP 

(Regie Autonome des Transports Parisiens) has announced,

the metro is about to get a cleaning.

Pierre Mongin, head of the RATP, has promised 70 million euros a year 

for the next five years for a major overhaul 

meant to clean up both the grime and the smell. 

I love the Paris metro no matter its condition,

though I know residents who won't ride it other than in an emergency.

But it would be nice to give it a better reputation than it has now. 

Can't wait to see the results! 

(Photo copyright: Kirsten Steen)