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The famous subway music will soon be gone!

undefined undefined 6 janvier 2026 undefined 07h30

The Editor

© Jagoda Bartus / Le Bonbon

Here it is, the year 2026 has zoomed into our lives, bringing along a wave of changes and transformations. A new astrological cycle, new trendy spots opening up everywhere, and even a new season of Bridgerton on Netflix. But the most important change is happening in the metro tunnels—and no, we’re not talking about the new price of the Navigo pass. Indeed, after more than 20 years of loyal service, the RATP jingle is about to change.

In life, there are sounds that are instantly recognizable. The sound of your front door, the 4 notes on the train platforms of the SNCF, the opening notes of “melodrama” by Theodora and Disiz, and of course, the iconic music of the Paris metro. However, the 5 guitar notes introduced in 2005 that have become emblematic are getting ready to take their final bow. Indeed, Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM), which manages the network alongside RATP, has announced plans to redefine the sound identity of Parisian public transport. And it's happening sooner than expected! 


The End of an Era

It’s been 21 years since it made us sway discreetly between two trains. But starting from mid-January, the legendary « Java revisited » will be no more.

The RATP will gradually disappear little by little from the audio announcements. Whether in the buses or the metro, it will soon no longer be broadcasted through the various speakers of the network, and will be replaced throughout the year by a new jingle, commissioned by IDFM. 


Creating a Common Identity

A transformation that may seem trivial, yet marks a real turning point in the history of the Paris metro, and more broadly for the RATP. Indeed, behind this replacement lies a simple goal for IDFM: to create a common image for all public transport in the Île-de-France region. This sound change is therefore part of a desire to unify the network, especially as it has just been partially opened to competition, following the introduction of sky blue as a unique color, and the change of bus drivers' uniforms.


A New Single on the Horizon?

To imagine the new banger, it's the sound and music creation agency "Chez Jean" that has been selected by the RATP.

The jury is still out. For now, though, the new music has not yet been revealed, but it will be rolled out across the network between January and the middle of 2026. Well, even if it makes us a little sad, we are mainly hoping that the new announcement will be impactful, and that it will come with a change of speakers in some stations, which sometimes send out rather cryptic messages, to ensure the safety of all passengers.