Paris Metro
Paris transport network consists of metro, long distance trains called RERs, the trams (which are actually normal trains. Nothing like the trains on roads) and buses. There is common ticket for all depending on the zones which you would visit. The zones are concentric rings around Paris.
The network is quite huge. Comparable or bigger than the New York metro. It is much cleaner than the new york metros, and general gentry is good. For example, I did not see any bums / beggars in or around the trains and also no rowdy teens.
It is a generally safe transport. However I have been reminded quite a few times by people around here that I should be careful about pick-pocketters. Keep the important documents in the inner pockets of jacket and not in the bag. Always keep the bag close to you and in front of you (not on the back). So it seems there are thieves, but no robbers.
Also, It is important for the visitor to carry his passport and 20 euros (to prove that he is not a bum).
Nothing special about the metro, except that it is well planned. For example, the connecting trains at the connecting station stop on the same platform (ie other side of platform) and you don't have to go and search in a maze for platforms for connecting trains. The seats fold up automatically after you leave the seat (something like the movie theatre seats) etc.
Also, here there is no concept of tokens. There are proper card tickets (with magnetic strip) and they are validated at entry. One thing you need to remember is unlike tokens, you need to preserve the ticket till your exit from the station. This is true for some long distance trains, where you will need the same ticket to be validated at exit (just like entry). Also this could lead to a big bunch of used and unused tickets. So keep then separate to avoid confusion. Also tear-off the ticket as soon as you have exited the station (and maybe dispose it off in nearest trash bin) to avoid mixing it with unused tickets.
For a visitor there are several options on tickets. There is a bunch of tickets available at lower rate. There is a weekly pass and a monthly pass. However monthly pass works from 1st of month and weekly pass works from Monday. So be careful when you are buying the passes to avoid wasting it.
The network is quite huge. Comparable or bigger than the New York metro. It is much cleaner than the new york metros, and general gentry is good. For example, I did not see any bums / beggars in or around the trains and also no rowdy teens.
It is a generally safe transport. However I have been reminded quite a few times by people around here that I should be careful about pick-pocketters. Keep the important documents in the inner pockets of jacket and not in the bag. Always keep the bag close to you and in front of you (not on the back). So it seems there are thieves, but no robbers.
Also, It is important for the visitor to carry his passport and 20 euros (to prove that he is not a bum).
Nothing special about the metro, except that it is well planned. For example, the connecting trains at the connecting station stop on the same platform (ie other side of platform) and you don't have to go and search in a maze for platforms for connecting trains. The seats fold up automatically after you leave the seat (something like the movie theatre seats) etc.
Also, here there is no concept of tokens. There are proper card tickets (with magnetic strip) and they are validated at entry. One thing you need to remember is unlike tokens, you need to preserve the ticket till your exit from the station. This is true for some long distance trains, where you will need the same ticket to be validated at exit (just like entry). Also this could lead to a big bunch of used and unused tickets. So keep then separate to avoid confusion. Also tear-off the ticket as soon as you have exited the station (and maybe dispose it off in nearest trash bin) to avoid mixing it with unused tickets.
For a visitor there are several options on tickets. There is a bunch of tickets available at lower rate. There is a weekly pass and a monthly pass. However monthly pass works from 1st of month and weekly pass works from Monday. So be careful when you are buying the passes to avoid wasting it.
posted by trayser @ 6:16 PM
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