The RATP is revamping its strategy to handle abandoned luggage across the Paris metro and Île-de-France transit system in 2025. Every day, nearly eight parcels, bags, or suitcases are left behind on the network, causing disruptions that can last up to an hour. In response to this growing issue, new response protocols will be put in place following guidelines issued by the Paris Prefect of Police. The goal is to minimize service interruptions while ensuring the safety of passengers.
The phenomenon has been growing steadily since the Covid crisis. In 2024, the Île-de-France waste management agency reported a 27% rise in abandoned items compared to 2023. This widespread issue keeps security teams and canine patrol units busy every day, as they work to determine the nature of the forgotten belongings. Despite faster deployment of these specialized teams to the scene, delays continue to mount, prompting management to revise their protocol.
In a letter addressed to the RATP which we have reviewed, the Police Prefect makes a clear distinction between a simple forgotten package and a suspicious object. According to these new guidelines, a piece of luggage is only considered dangerous if its shape, composition, or markings indicate a serious risk of containing an explosive device: for example, a gas canister, the presence of electric wires, or a threatening message. In such cases, the response falls exclusively to law enforcement, who then engage the bomb disposal unit.
This is where the major change lies. Previously, whenever a discarded bag was reported on a platform, train traffic was halted and no trains would move. Now, if the package isn’t considered suspicious according to the Police Prefect’s criteria, trains will be able to continue running without stopping at the station. Passengers won't be able to board or disembark at this station until the situation is clarified, but the rest of the line will keep moving.
The process is also changing for forgotten luggage left on trains. Previously, the train would stop at the station, be evacuated, and then remain stationary while the bomb squad was called in. Moving forward, if the item appears to be non-threatening, the train with its passengers onboard will be directed onto a secondary track. This adjustment aims to prevent delays to other trains by avoiding traffic stoppages while waiting for explosive experts to arrive.
This easing of the guidelines has not met with universal approval and has sparked anger among several unions, such as Force Ouvrière and La Base. These unions are even calling on RER drivers to disobey and ignore the new rules. They fear that prioritizing traffic flow at all costs could jeopardize the safety of both staff and passengers.
At the helm of RATP, officials are trying to reassure the public, emphasizing that "the primary goal remains the safety of passengers and staff," reports Le Parisien. The transit authority highlights that these new guidelines are based on recommendations from the Police Prefecture and aim to strike a balance between security and maintaining reliable service. These security measures could still be adjusted as the Interior Ministry and the Ministry of Transport are currently reviewing the protocols to fine-tune their approach.
In short, if you're using the Paris metro or RER, don't forget your belongings and be sure to alert staff if you spot any suspicious packages. These new rules aim to cut down on delays caused by abandoned items, but it's still best to stay alert. For the latest updates on ongoing disruptions, check the official RATP website for real-time information on incidents across the Île-de-France network, or visit the RATP Lost and Found service if you've misplaced something.
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