opened in nineteen hundred the Paris Metro is one the most extensive subway
systems in the world
with this 303 stations 16 Metro lines,
the Paris Metro is the second busiest subway system in Europe
after Moscow
the Paris Metro is relatively easy to get the hang of if you
come armed with the right information. Here are some tips to help you navigate
the Metro like a local
and avoid unnecessary frustration claustrophobia.
The trains start about 5:30 a.m. and run until 1:15am
2 a.m. on the weekends. Trains come every few minutes so you rarely have to
wait more than 5 minutes for the next train.
The Metro moves about 6.75 million riders each day
but is usually only crowded during rush hour 8 to 10 am.
5 to 8 pm.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to use the Metro. step #1
Locate a Metro station
Metro stations normally have a sign "Metro" or big yellow "M"
Some stations are located inside buildings while others are out in the
open.
Step #2 Refer to a Metro Map.
Decide where you want to go and try to locate the appropriate stop
on the map. Check what line it is on then
locate your current position see what direction
(what is the last station). This will determine
where you need to follow. The Paris Metro has a total of 16 lines
identifiable by number, color, and end of line names.
For instance, line 1 is yellow, currently has 25 stations,
and is called "La Defense/Chateau de Vincennes"
" because it runs from the La Defense station west of the city
to Chateau de Vincennes in the east.
Step #3 Buy a ticket. Buy a ticket at a
ticket desk or a self service ticket machine which are green.
Step #4
Once you have your ticket proceed to the turnstile. Take your ticket
insert it into the slot in front of the machine, magnetic .
side up. Continue through the turnstile take your ticket as it emerges from the
slot
on top of the machine. Keep the ticket with you. You'll need it if an
inspector asks to see your ticket. If you have a Navigo card, briefly place the card about a half
inch above the purple area
of the machine as you proceed, a chime will sound and a green arrow
light up indicating go through. Step number 5
Follow the signs to your platform Once you're past the turnstiles,
follow the signs to the platform for the direction in which you want to travel
There will be signs showing the number and color the line and the terminus where it
stops.
Make sure you get the correct Terminus direction. You may walk through a lot
of intersections,
corridors and stairs, that is okay, just make sure to
carefully follow the signs to your platform. If you ever get lost or confused,
stop and look around for sign, they are there
get reoriented. As long as you know which train you need to take
you should be able to find the signs showing you the way.
Step number 6. Once on the platform. There are signs on the platform
iindicating which Metro line you are now at, double check to make sure you are on the line you wish
to be at.
There will also be message boards indicating how long you will have to wait
before the next train comes. When the train arrives, keep behind the white line.
Let people leave the train first, and then you can get on it. On most lines,
you will have to open the doors of the train if no-one else does. You either have to push a button
or pull up the handle.
Step number 7
On the train. Find somewhere to sit or stand. When crowded
do not be tempted to sit on the fold down seats. You will be making a nuisance of yourself
You can check on the line maps above each door
to see how many stations are left before you need to
exit.
Step number 8. Arriving at your destination
When you reached your destination, look for the Blue Sortie sign
which will lead you to the platform exit. If you are transferring to another line
look for a sign reading correspondence . Follow the Blue Sortie signs
through doors and or turnstiles to exit into the main part of the
station. There will be maps of the neighborhood ,
“plan du Quarter”, on the walls. Review the map to determine which exit you will want.
congratulations you have arrived at your destination
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