Just an additional mention of the bus system in Paris for those mobility challenged. I have a bit of difficulty in getting around, so the Metro is out for me, however I always check where the nearby bus stops are to my lodging before I book. All of the buses "kneel" for wheel chairs and those who have trouble with stairs, and there is always marked handicapped seating (usually fold down) designated near the exit. I have never seen someone not offer their seat to someone with a cane on a Parisian bus. You can look up the routes on https://www.ratp.fr/en

Thanks for the suggestions of the bus. I actually love bus travel in Paris -- convenient and you see so much more above ground ! Nukesafe, I actually have the bus route map on my bookmark bar right now ! The problem with bus or metro is getting to an out of the way location that requires a lot of walking or being out in the evening and wanting a ride home. It helps knowing that a taxi or Uber is an option, and it helps to know how to use the system. I appreciate the helpful input everyone has offered.

yes

I was in Paris with my daughter a couple of weeks ago, and we used Uber quite a few times due to some circumstances related to her work and also due to some torrential downpours. The drivers were kind and helpful, and for the most part, interesting conversationalists. I especially appreciated that I did not have to deal with money - all payment is handled through the app.

I use buses a lot in Paris but there are times they can be problematic. When there are road closures or "manifestations" (demonstrations) the buses have limited routes. And sometimes the limitations pop up unexpectedly. For example, I got on an 80 bus that indicated it only went to the Marie 15 eme, not the usual end of the route destination. Not a problem, the 15eme was past my destination. But the driver suddenly decided at the Champs Elysee to end the route. Termini! Get out. Then the next bus was not coming for 27 minutes. And it was hot. I walked over to the nearest taxi queue to complete my journey and not be late for my lunch reservation. On the first Sunday of the month the Champs Elysee is closed to traffic. For some reason that completely interrupts my usual bus route.

Also, regarding tipping, I notice that sometimes taxi drivers seem to intimidate me to tip, acting like there is no change expected or doling the change out very slowly so I'll let him keep something. Probably because he knows I'm an American. Stand your ground and let him give you all of your change!

Palenq,
We visit New York every couple of years. In fact, we were just there 2 weeks ago.
I've never used the bus system and always use the subway system. It seems like everything driving above ground crawls in traffic.
Unfortunately, while the subway is air conditioned the stations are not and it can get pretty warm down there in the summer. What's really funny is that I'm usually out quite earlier taking pictures and I rode a pretty far way up the Upper West Side. I looked around the subway station and I felt like I was the only one sweating. Maybe they're used to it.
Maybe the bus system in both cities has so many lines that are hard to track but the subway/Metro systems have a smaller number of defines routes.
And they're both fast.
I have I map I got in a Paris Metro station on our last trip. It's dated 2015. I guess I'll get a new one if they still give them out.
On the bus map there seem to be anywhere from 1 to 5 bus routes running on the same streets for at least part of the time.
The only time I've every used above ground transportation with the intention of seeing the sights was in Lisbon last year. That trolley route was known as a tourist route.

Also, regarding tipping, I notice that sometimes taxi drivers seem to intimidate me to tip, acting like there is no change expected or doling the change out very slowly so I'll let him keep something. Probably because he knows I'm an American. Stand your ground and let him give you all of your change!>

Can't blame the cabbies - probably thinking 'rich American' don't know better - I'd do it too if in their position - what's to lose?

Everybody -- since so many of you plan so far ahead -- don't forget that a huge number of the Paris bus lines are going to change in September 2019. The new route map is already available online.

Most of the bus lines had not changed since the 1950's, so there are big changes coming, particularly on rue de Rivoli and boulevard de Sebastopol which are considered to have far too many bus lines running the same routes.

kerouac - any chance of trams coming back to central Paris - I know buses are green but trams even more - know there are some on outskirts.

Thanks for that note, kerouac! I am a big fan of Paris busses, and I was wondering if there was a campaign to educate the locals about the new lines -- posters, etc? It's coming up soon, and I imagine it will disrupt folks' plans for a few days...

s

With the metro having covered central Paris so completely, there is no need for any new tram services within the city. However, there is a mythical project to make a circular route connecting all of the train stations. Slightly less phantasmagorical is the idea of a right bank tram line running along the Seine on the upper quais. However, the population is so low along the river that there is really not any need for it -- there is already a bus running that route.

Tram line 3b will be extended from Porte de la Chapelle to Porte d'Asnières at the end of the year. A further extension will be made from Porte d'Asnières to Porte Maillot in a few years.

There is no campaign yet since the change is still 15 months away. However, I'm sure there will be plenty of information about the buses next summer, probably starting with a massive distribution of brochures.

Ooohhh. Attention to detail....I thought it was 2018 and was wondering why there was no fuss...

s