It's an understatement to say that the expertise was eagerly awaited... Almost a year ago, in May 2025, the Metro Transport and Services Social and Economic Committee (CSE MTS) voted for the creation of a in-depth study on the air breathed by metro drivers.
The goal: to analyze their exposure to dust and chemical agents in the underground tunnels. Alongside this, a specialized firm was chosen to assess the risks related to these working conditions.
However, almost a year later, the study is still delayed. The RATP had already attempted to contest the very principle of this expertise before the Paris Judicial Court, but was dismissed.
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Challenge to the Costs and Progress of the Study
Last Thursday, management came back for another round. This time, they are targeting the execution of the expertise and its cost, estimated at 207,250 euros. The RATP criticizes the choice of subcontractors, the number of participants, and the travel and meal expenses, deeming them excessive.
The company’s lawyer cites the hotel cost at 200 €, compared to cheaper options on Booking. The CSE lawyer, Jérôme Borzakian, counters that these expenses allow experts to work with confidentiality and rigor, highlighting their resumes and experience in the field. According to him, reducing the mission would compromise its scientific quality.
1) Scandale de la pollution de l'air dans les réseaux métro et RER (suite)
— Jacques Baudrier (@jacquesbaudrier) June 28, 2023
ENFIN aujourd'hui il y a eu un vrai débat au CA @IDFmobilites
L'obstruction de la RATP et l'inaction d'@IDFmobilites ont été mises au grand jour
Et enfin on peut espérer quelques avancées
Fine Particles: Measure the Quantity or Understand the Composition?
The heart of the disagreement lies in the nature of fine particles. The RATP is willing to measure their quantity, but disputes their composition. However, the court had already ruled in September: the expertise must include this analysis. “They don’t want us to know what these dust particles contain. The quantity has already been done a thousand times!” insists the lawyer for the CSE.
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The decision in this showdown is eagerly expected on May 7. In the meantime, the drivers, who work every day under these conditions, are still waiting to know exactly what they are inhaling…