Extension of Paris Metro Line 14 to Orly Airport and Beyond
The transport infrastructure in Île-de-France is set to undergo a significant transformation with the extension of several metro, RER, and tram lines. The most noteworthy among these is the extension of Metro Line 14, which will connect to Orly Airport in the south and Saint-Denis-Pleyel in the north, thereby improving access to several strategic locations in Paris. The new infrastructure is scheduled for inauguration on June 24, just in time for the upcoming Olympic Games.
The extended Line 14 will feature seven new stations and will reduce the travel time from Châtelet to Orly Airport to approximately 26 minutes, a significant improvement from the current 48 minutes. Users traveling to Orly will be subject to a special pricing of 11.50 euros, whereas the rest of the line will maintain the current metro ticket price. This move has been met with some criticism from elected officials who argue that it creates a disparity among metro users.
RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM) anticipate around 700,000 daily passengers on this line during the Olympic Games. To accommodate the increased traffic, the metro line has been upgraded with state-of-the-art MP14 trains, which are quieter, air-conditioned, and longer, featuring eight cars instead of the previous six. Moreover, Line 14 is now entirely accessible to people with reduced mobility, a unique feature in the Paris metro system.
Additional Extensions in Île-de-France
In addition to Line 14, several other projects will revolutionize public transport in the region. Metro Line 11 will be extended to Rosny-Bois-Perrier on June 13, adding six new stations and doubling its length. This extension is expected to cut travel time from the new terminus to Châtelet to just 25 minutes from the current 55 minutes.
On May 6, the western extension of RER E to Nanterre - La Folie became operational, connecting key hubs like La Défense and making it easier for travelers from Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est to reach the business district. Though initially operating at reduced service, the full schedule is expected to be implemented by the end of the year.
Furthermore, the T3b tram line was extended to Porte Dauphine on April 5, adding seven new stations. This development has facilitated significant travel time savings and has contributed to the greening of public spaces and the reduction of automobile traffic. The T3b tram extension is projected to draw 54,000 additional travelers daily.
- Traveling by metro to Orly Airport will become a reality within a few weeks with the new extension of Line 14, scheduled for inauguration on June 24, just ahead of the Olympic Games. For regular Navigo pass users, no additional cost will be incurred, but occasional travelers will need to shell out 11.50 euros for a ticket.
- Metro Line 11's extension to Rosny-Bois-Perrier, adding six new stations, marks a significant upgrade for users, offering shorter travel times and modernized facilities. This extension will be operational from June 13, 2024.
