A poster on the Tripadvisor msg board says he/she saw several signs in the metro yesterday that indicate this change:

"The Carte Orange as we know it is being phased out in 2005. Instead it'll be a card with a chip in it (like the existing Navigo cards). You keep it in your bag or coat pocket and the turnstile lets you go past without having to put your ticket in the machine.
Because of this you won't be able to just walk up to a counter and ask for a Carte Orange anymore. The application is done in writing and it'll take 2 weeks to get processed. I have no dates as to when they'll be phased out fully."

Does anyone staying or living currently in Paris have any confirmation of this change, especially anything 'concrete' like a press article or news on ratp.fr? (I couldn't find anything that resembled this 'announcement').

Thanks...

Yes the change is coming. I dont think there is an exact date yet. However, in addition to the Navigo card that you request via mail for free, the RATP will offer navigo cards for a 5 euro charge. It appears that all paper tickets will eventually be done away with. New pricing structures will be introducted across the board. Here is what I found in more detail for those that read French:

http://www.metro-pole.net/actu/article378.html

I meant to say the 5 euro card will be available at the ticket counters without having to go through the mail in process and are reusable.

Color me skeptical.

That article is a year old, and it says that they'll begin replacing all magnetic tickets beginning in April, 2004 at the earliest, and September at the latest.

My guess is that the infrastructure changeout is taking longer than anyone ever guessed it would, postponing the changeover for months or years.

I'm not holding my breath.

Well its not coming on schedule but they have installed a Navigo kiosk in my Metro station and have started the program. Here's some more recent info:

http://www.ratp.fr/actualites/une/2501.shtml

I suspect we wont have any paper tickets by the end of next year.

I'm going to dig up a post I made a while back - it will have 'Navigo' in the title, I think... I believe it relates to this..

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34526351

OK, so why isn't everyone "all over" this..??
Doesn't this mean the end of the C.O. for us non-residents? Doesn't it mean one has to apply for the pass in advance? Don't you think there will be restrictions as to whom it is made available? (as in not to tourists). Will we all be stuck with the overpriced "Paris Visite"? Quelle horreur!!

and remember - it might mean that all of us 'boonies' who like staying in the outer areas may be returning to YOUR favorite, more centrally located, neighborhood in the 5th or 6th, driving up hotel prices, crowding you out of your favorite restaurants..

(feeling a bit dramatic today).

I don't think it necessarily means the end of CO for tourists. After all, it is a <u>permanent</u> card that can be recharged indefinitely.

Even better, it appears as though the Monday-Sunday period of validity is going away, and you'll be able to start a CO any day and for any period, pro-rated to the weekly rate. That will be really cool!

How does this work exactly?

1. Fill out an application and have the card sent (restricted to French addresses?)

2. Add value to the card using some machine

3. Use until no credit left; then recharge

Is this correct? Please enlighten me! Thanks!

Robespierre,
I agree. Having a permanent Metro smartcard will be a big improvement for repeat tourists like the Fodorites.

You guys are being way to American about this. Its way to early to be fretting over this. Nothing gets pinned down in France untill it actually happens. The only thing I have noticed in the metro to date is talking about launching the carte orange zones 1-2 with the Navigo card. However, the paper ticket carte orange for zone 1 -2 are still being sold in addition to the Navigo.

Plans are flexible in France. Plans are made to be discussed, debated, changed ad infinium until perfection is reached. So give it time. Nothing is happening tomorrow.

I will see what I can find out in the metro soon and report back.

I also found this link in english from the manufacturer of the Navigo card that states that even the carnet and the Paris visit card will be navigo. http://www.axalto.com/transport/ratp.asp

Ok... but please keep us posted... thanks..

Stopped by the metro station while walking my dog. There's a sign talking about how you can get your weekly or monthly carte orange on the Navigo Pass now. It proceeds to say that you have to ask for a form and you will get the card in 3 weeks. Then you can load your carte orange onto it. There is an automatic charger that has been there since nov or dec that still has not been turned on with a sign on it that says coming soon. Thats it. They are still selling the regular carte orange as well. I think we just have to wait and see what happens next.

Hope that helps

Morgan

As I said...months or years.

There are, after all, 380 stations on the M&eacute;tro alone, many with literally dozens of turnstiles. There must be <u>hundreds</u> at a place like Ch&acirc;telet.

Still not holding my breath.

Well the scanners are already in place so it's just a matter of capping the ticket slot.