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The Paris metro ranked among the best in the world!

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The Editor

© Giulio Benzin / Shutterstock

This Wednesday, May 14, the third edition of the Better Connected Report, which ranks the public transport networks of the world's largest metropolises, has just been released. Good news: the Île-de-France system has little to envy from its neighbors.

Modernization, new lines, more efficient trains… in recent years, there have been many transformations in the public transport network of the region. Very many. And it looks like it’s paying off, because the rail company Hitachi Rail has just released its annual report on the best networks in the world, in which the capital ranks very well.


A network greatly underestimated by its users

When you’re a Parisian, you often tend to reduce the metro to its noise, odors, delays, construction work… However, despite all its criticisms, it does have some undeniable advantages. This is certainly what this new edition of the Better Connected Report organized by Hitachi Rail, a manufacturer of trains and railway equipment. A study conducted with over 11,000 travelers from the world's largest cities.

And one thing is for sure, it seems that the Parisian grumblers aren't quite as unhappy as they make it sound. The evidence? Out of all the cities considered, it’s the one where residents use public transport the most. And rightly so, because Greater Paris ranks first when it comes to «the alignment of transport supply » with demand, even surpassing London, Berlin, and Copenhagen in terms of the proximity of stations and fare accessibility – because yes, it’s expensive in Paris, but it’s worse elsewhere – and options for alternatives to cars. This success largely depends on the unique global network of stations in Paris and its suburbs.


A few shadows remain

Okay, let’s be honest, the Île-de-France network has its limitations too.

g>, which are also highlighted by the study. At the top of the list is the lack of service to the outskirts, as only 15% mention suburban trains as a mode of transportation, compared to twice as many in Greater London or Copenhagen. Survey respondents also talk about overcrowding, the lack of cleanliness, and the often excessive fares.

Finally, the bus system is also criticized compared to those in London or Berlin, especially for its lack of reliability and attractiveness. At the same time, when you compare it to the incredible double-decker red buses, it definitely feels less dreamy. Nevertheless, we are still proud of this success, and we hope that the many projects underway on a Grand Paris scale will allow us to do even better next year.