Paris: Woman fined for using RER ticket on replacement bus

A 75-year-old woman faced a €70 fine for using a RER train ticket on a replacement bus service, despite the bus being a designated substitute for the closed RER C line. Ghislaine, from Val-d’Oise, was traveling from Saint-Gratien to Paris Montparnasse when she encountered RATP controllers.

The controllers cited that her ticket, a standard Métro-Train-RER ticket, was not valid on the bus network, which requires a specific Bus-Tram ticket. However, Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM), the regional transport authority, confirmed that the bus line 138 was officially designated as a replacement route during the RER C summer works. IDFM stated that the Métro-Train-RER ticket should have been accepted for the entire journey, including the connection to line J.

IDFM acknowledged that the controllers made an "error" and has issued instructions to operators to be more pedagogical. The RATP, while noting that Métro-Train-RER tickets are not typically valid on buses per tariff policy, stated that a "tolerance" is usually applied during such disruptions. They have promised to analyze the traveler's situation for a potential refund.

User advocacy group Plus de trains criticized the fine as "scandalous" and highlighted the confusion caused by the dual Bus-Tram and Métro-Train-RER fare system. The group argued that the RATP only offers refunds when cases gain media attention, urging for consistent policy application rather than reactive communication.