This is the first very large heat of the year. Temperatures are rising from Thursday to the “day of Saturday that should constitute the peak of this episode, especially in the west region, with values that will often be between 34 and 37 or even 38 degrees,” said Météo France.
For the transport sector, it is a challenge: it is a matter of protecting customers but also agents.
In Paris and in the Ile-de-France region, the Mobilités ile-de-France indicate that almost 60% of buses and bus are conditioned, that two thirds of the trains and RER are conditioned or equipped with refrigerated ventilation.
Half (alone) of the meters in circulation are equipped with refrigerated ventilation, while 100% of the trams are equipped with air conditioning.
Water sources and refrigerated to Ratp
Therefore, it will be very hot in the oars. Ratp specifies that “in certain lines, the installation of real air conditioning is not possible: the tunnels are too narrow, which runs the risk of overheating the air and blocking traffic. Refrigerated ventilation is less powerful than a classic air conditioning, but more compatible with the infrastructure, it still allows it to refresh the atmosphere on board.”
The île-de-France region has also listed all places to stay fresh in Paris and its region and, therefore, access nearby climatic shelters. In addition, 136 water sources were deployed throughout the network.
For its part, SNCF Voyageurs invites travelers to bring water in advance of their trip, regularly hydrate and pay special attention to fragile (children, elderly).
“Prevention messages are already in place in information channels (websites, social networks, etc.). Our registration chiefs also disseminate these messages aboard the trains and monitor the most sensitive travelers. Water bottles have been loaded aboard the main lines if necessary,” said a spokesman.
The railway company, like all transport operators, anticipates the summer period and the risk of upstream waves. For several months, she has been preparing. These are the ATs for “another systematic work before the hot season.”
It is about operating preventive maintenance, looking for breakdown and, therefore, being able to anticipate them, change the pieces if necessary. The emphasis is put in the air conditioning blocks that equip TGV.
Work upstream in the SNCF around TGVS air conditioning
It should be said that it is almost impossible to roll up an air conditioning. ‘ If this component breaks into a car before a start, heat on board can become unbearable quickly.
If the train controller is always possible to move passengers from one car to another, when the train is full, as will be this summer, it becomes problematic.
The operations consist of cleaning the blocks, analyzing the slightest fluid leak, tests. “We are increasing the stock of pieces that allows us to repair much more quickly to be asked. It allows us to be reagents, intervene in 48 hours and re -place the train in circulation,” explains Elodie Creuzot, proximity manager in the SNCF.
For trains in circulation, “we have worked on the strengthening of the monitoring system. Maintenance convenience stores
Prevention and retirement right for agents
And for employees, especially management agents who work in overheated cabins, especially due to supermarkets?
In a brochure, Sud Rail remembers that a decree published on May 27, 2025 now forces employers to take concrete and immediate measures to protect employees exposed to heat.
In the SNCF or elsewhere, the employer must provide free and regularly fresh water (in the absence of running water, the employer must guarantee the provision of at least 3 liters of water per day per worker), make available to fans, mumps, allow more frequent breaks …
“The employer who does not respect these rules is exposed to sanctions, in particular in the case of an accidental accident. His inexcusable failure can be recognized if he has been alerted, particularly by personnel representatives, without any measure being taken,” warns the organization that requires “right of retirement” in the absence of prevention measures.
Contacted, the SNCF indicates that certain driving cabins (in the most recent trains) are conditioned by the air and/or equipped with blinds.
The group says that it guarantees the supply of isothermal gourds, a stock of water in service places, while water sources are installed and an awareness campaign is launched (withdrawal from the rules in case of high heat).
In the Ratp, “bus drivers, particularly exposed in their glass driving, benefit from a device dedicated to the first signs of excessive heat,” explains the region.
Ratp refrigerated jackets
“The driving cabins, which are not equipped with air conditioning, are subject to particular surveillance: beyond certain temperature thresholds (between 25 ° C and 30 ° C), the” heat surveys are organized. “They allow drivers to benefit from the extended length pause time, or even a reduction in the number of circulation circulations,” explains the operator.
“For station and station agents, a prolonged rest system is also provided, accompanied by water distribution and the provision of hydration points. Air conditioning and refreshing systems in the facilities are controlled and maintained regularly to guarantee their proper operation,” he adds.
The drivers are authorized to wear transformable pants or a skirt in a driver wallet, in addition to the regulatory attire.
In addition, the Ratp successfully tested during the summer of 2024 the refreshing jackets for the drivers of lines 3, 6, 7 and 13 of the subway, “the discussions are underway for a generalization of this innovation in all subway lines during the year 2025”.
Source: BFM TV
