In Paris, RATP staff encounter an average of four assaults daily, prompting the deployment of around 100 security teams across the Île-de-France transport network. With 1,000 agents safeguarding the system, they respond to various incidents, including fare evasion and drug use. Video surveillance and emergency protocols enhance safety measures, while RATP supports employees in reporting violence. The organization plans to increase security presence to ensure public transport remains safe for everyone.
Security Measures in Paris Transport
In the bustling transport system of Paris, RATP staff face an alarming average of four assaults each day. To combat this rising tide of incivility, approximately 100 dedicated security teams are deployed continuously throughout the Île-de-France network. The variety of incidents reported showcases the pressing need for vigilance and action.
“When we catch someone with their feet on the seat, we issue a fine of 150 euros. Smoking, disruptive behavior, and even vandalism are all addressed as they arise,” explains one agent involved in a recent apprehension of an aggressive fare evader. His colleague, conducting a security check, reminds the individual to keep his hands visible. “You’ll be filmed during this process,” he states, highlighting the seriousness of the encounter.
A Thousand Agents Working for Safety
With a force of 1,000 agents actively safeguarding the system every day, the safety of public transport transcends local concerns, affecting all of France. Each morning, security teams gather for briefings to analyze the previous day’s incidents. Subsequently, they fan out across part of the extensive 3,600 km network, equipped to respond to any threats that may arise.
During a routine check at Gare de Lyon, an agent addresses a fare dodger attempting to breach a barrier. Nearby, another team offers assistance to a homeless individual, ensuring they have access to social services while maintaining the flow of passengers. “We ask if they need accommodation and help them contact the right services,” an agent clarifies.
As the patrol moves to the metro platforms, they encounter a man smoking. Instead of issuing a fine, he is escorted out. Shortly after, a concerned mother reports drug use, leading to the apprehension of a man with a crack pipe. Despite the situation, the likelihood of recovering a fine remains uncertain.
Video surveillance plays a vital role in monitoring these incidents, with 50,000 cameras actively tracking suspicious behavior across the network. Additionally, transport drivers have access to emergency buttons, which can be activated during violent encounters.
When a bus driver is threatened, immediate geolocation allows security to respond swiftly. “Stay calm, we’re on our way,” is the assurance given from the control room, with police reinforcements typically arriving within ten minutes. The primary strategy for handling such situations remains eviction; RATP recorded 260,000 evictions in 2024 alone.
In cases of severe violence targeting staff, RATP actively supports employees in filing complaints, despite the challenges that may arise from fears of retaliation. “Our staff often operate along the same routes and may hesitate to report incidents due to potential repercussions,” explains RATP spokesperson Jimmy Brun. Looking ahead, the presence of security agents on the ground is set to expand to ensure a safer environment for all.