Public Transpotation in Paris

Paris is famous for its museum, for Eiffel tower, as a city of romance but also it is famous for its best ever public transport service. City is divided in various zones. There are four ways of transportation, bus, metro, tram and RER (it is a railway). But the best part is they are well connected with each other. For regular travelers it is possible to buy just one Navigo card. It is the pass or card, by using which it is possible to travel by any of the above means in any zone of the city. So good thing is, it is literally possible to travel at any part of the city without carrying a single cent for complete one month. 

Based on zones and the tracks of metro, tram etc. city maps are available. These maps are elaborate and self-explanatory. Once understood how to read, then it is possible to roam at any part of city without opening mouth. Tram or metro are running at every 3 to 5 minutes. So waiting is minimal. Inside the metro, or tram or RER, all stations on that root are clearly mentioned. There is announcement for next station. The routes pasted inside trains. It also mentions name of other metro or tram that can be taken from each station. Metro trains are named as M1, M2… etc. RER are RER A, RER B etc. whereas trams are named as T1, T2 etc. Thus, a trip by combining metro, tram and RER, it is possible to reach from one corner of the city to other corner in just one hour. And it’s very easy.

Tram generally runs on the road. There are tram tracks everywhere, its network is so laid that it does not affect road traffic. Metro runs mostly underground. It has 14 lines. RER is train which is little bit faster and runs longer distance. Good thing is that, they all are interlinked. Their stations are nearby to each other. Thus it forms a nice network to travel anywhere in the city. It is very easy to recharge the Navigo card. It can be done online as well as at many outlets provided on the stations.

I think in India too such a network and coordination of various means of transport is needed which makes the traveling a good experience. Due to such a good transport means people are ready to reduce their dependency on personal vehicles. This helps to keep city pollution free. India needs to study each city individually and create the public transportation facilities on need basis. But it should be made sure that it will be good experience and it should allow people to be relaxed a bit and spend some time with family than in traffic congestion.