The start of a new year often brings new rules to the Île-de-France transportation network. For 2026, several significant updates will affect not only commuters using the metro and RER but also Paris drivers. From the RATP to Vélib', and including the Low Emission Zone (ZFE), we detail the key changes that will influence your daily journeys in the capital and the Île-de-France region.
Not exactly a surprise, but the Navigo Pass is set to see its prices increase once again, as decided by Île-de-France Mobilités. The monthly fare will now go beyond the symbolic 90-euro mark, reaching 90.80 euros. For those who prefer the annual pass, the cost will rise to 998.80 euros. Meanwhile, student fares for the Imagine R card—available to schoolchildren, students, and apprentices under 26 living in the Paris region—will increase to 401 euros starting September 1, 2026, for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Another significant development: digital ticketing continues to advance. Since November 5th, the sale of paper tickets has been discontinued on buses, trams, metro stations, and RER stations. The next milestone is set for May 1, 2026, when physical tickets will no longer be accepted on buses and trams, followed by a ban on June 1st across the rail network. If you haven't already, it's high time to switch entirely to digital tickets.
Good news: starting in spring 2026, you'll be able to buy and use more transport tickets directly on your smartphone. Following the Pass Liberté +, daily and monthly Navigo passes, single tickets, annual Navigo tickets, and the Imagine R pass, all of these options are set to become accessible via mobile devices.
A heavy blow for regular commuters: the RoissyBus, the iconic shuttle service linking Paris to Charles de Gaulle Airport for over thirty years, will cease operations on March 1, 2026. IDFM cites traffic congestion on the A1 and difficulties accessing central Paris as the main reasons for this decision. As a replacement, a new bus line (9517) will be introduced, connecting the airport via Saint-Denis-Pleyel and providing transfers with lines 13, 14, and the RER D. In the long run, this route will also be integrated with the upcoming lines 15, 16, and 17 of the Grand Paris Express.
Speaking of which, let's talk about the Grand Paris Express. After several delays that frustrated many, the Société des Grands Projets has announced a revised schedule. The Line 15 South, connecting Pont de Sèvres in the Hauts-de-Seine to Noisy-Champs in Seine-Saint-Denis, is now expected to open in early 2027. The initial segments of Lines 16 and 17 are scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, with their operation linked through a shared automation system. The good news, however, concerns Line 18: a segment should be operational by October 2026, marking the first part of the Grand Paris Express network to be functional this year.
Another update to your daily commute: starting mid-January 2026, the RATP will be switching up its jingle. The well-known "reimagined tune" that has been part of the transit experience since 2005 is making way for a fresh audio branding, in line with IDFM’s effort to unify the network’s identity.
The push towards increased competition in transportation services in Île-de-France continues unabated. Initiated by a European directive in 2007, this process of liberalization has led the RATP to gradually relinquish its monopoly in favor of private companies such as Transdev, ATM, and Keolis. Out of the 12 bus routes opened up to competition, the public operator has retained control over only eight. This significant overhaul, which began in the outer suburbs in 2021, is scheduled to unfold until 2040 and spans all modes of transit: metro, RER, Transilien trains, buses, and trams.
A new express bus line will connect Fontainebleau, Melun, and Évry starting in March 2026. Launched by Île-de-France Mobilités, this rapid route will serve the key hubs in Seine-et-Marne and Essonne.
A question on many users’ minds: after the fare increase in August 2025, when the price of Vélib' subscriptions was raised — including a new charge of 0.50 euro from the very first electric ride of the day — should we expect another hike in 2026? Nothing is confirmed yet, but this price adjustment appears to be part of a gradual response to the ongoing energy crisis.
On the Véligo front, the news is more encouraging: 20,000 next-generation bikes are set to hit the roads of Île-de-France in 2026. The lineup will include cargo bikes for professionals, models designed for people with disabilities, and fifteen new designs expanding the range—all while maintaining the same pricing.
If you're driving around the capital, it's important to know that the Low Emission Zone (ZFE), which covers 77 municipalities including Paris, the Hauts-de-Seine suburbs, and neighboring towns, remains in effect. However, the Greater Paris Metropolis has announced a one-year extension of the exemption program. In practical terms, inspections for the most polluting vehicles have been further delayed for now.
On the other hand, if you’re used to parking in Paris, be prepared for more challenges: as part of the Mobility Orientation Law (LOM), 20,000 parking spaces are set to disappear by the end of 2026. This move is expected to further encourage the use of public transportation. Also note that starting January 1, 2027, parking will be prohibited within five meters of pedestrian crossings, a measure aimed at improving road safety and pedestrian visibility.
Since December 2025, SNCF and RATP controllers have been equipped with body cameras they can activate while on duty, aimed at enhancing safety and acting as a deterrent. They are also authorized to conduct pat-downs. This new measure is designed to make agent interventions on the ground safer and more secure.
Another major update: the RATP has introduced a new protocol for handling forgotten luggage on trains. The aim? To minimize the frequent service disruptions caused when suspicious baggage is reported. With this new approach, staff will be better equipped to handle such incidents efficiently, resulting in fewer delays and fewer service interruptions for passengers.
In short, 2026 promises to be a pivotal year for transportation in Île-de-France. With fare increases, the disappearance of some services, and the introduction of new options, everyone will need to adjust to these upcoming changes. To stay informed about the latest updates and disruptions across the network, we recommend regularly checking the Île-de-France Mobilités website, the official accounts of the RATP, the Grand Paris Express project page, the Vélib' Métropole site, and Véligo Location’s official site.
For more information:
A new express bus route is launching between Seine-et-Marne and Essonne
A new express bus route will connect Fontainebleau, Melun, and Évry starting March 2026. Launched by Île-de-France Mobilités, this rapid service will serve the main hubs in Seine-et-Marne and Essonne. [Read more]
The RATP has revamped its protocols for dealing with abandoned parcels in the Paris metro and Île-de-France transit networks. These updated guidelines, which have sparked union controversy, are part of a plan to minimize service disruptions in 2025. [Read more]
Starting in May 2026, passengers will no longer be able to use or validate paper tickets aboard any of the bus lines in Paris and throughout Île-de-France. To make it easier for occasional travelers to purchase backup tickets, Île-de-France Mobilités plans to roll out new ticket vending kiosks with card payment capabilities by the end of 2026. Here’s what you need to know. [Read more]
After Line 10, two other Paris Metro lines are set to welcome the new MF19 train starting December 2026. Here’s what you need to know. [Read more]
Good news for RER E commuters! While the extension of the line to Mantes-la-Jolie is scheduled to open in 2027, Île-de-France Mobilités has announced that the MI2N trains will be retired for good in the last quarter of 2026. [Read more]
To assist residents of Île-de-France with their daily commutes, Île-de-France Mobilités has announced the launch of four new express bus routes scheduled for 2026. Here’s what you need to know! [Read more]
Good news for future users of the Grand Paris Express Line 18! The first tests kicked off on December 18 on the line's elevated section between Massy-Palaiseau and Saclay stations. Once operational later this year, this segment will mark the opening of the first of the four new lines in the Grand Paris Express network, ahead of lines 15, 16, and 17. [Read more]
The Greater Paris Metropolis extends by one year the exemption for Crit'Air 3 vehicles within the Low Emission Zone (ZFE). Drivers affected by the measure can continue to use the ZFE 24-hour pass without penalty until December 2026, during a designated grace period. [Read more]
Starting January 1, 2027, parking within five meters of a pedestrian crossing will be prohibited throughout France. This new measure, part of the LOM law, aims to enhance pedestrian safety across all French municipalities, with offenders facing a minimum fine of 90 euros. [Read more]
The RoissyBus, which has connected the Opéra to Charles de Gaulle Airport for 30 years, will disappear in March 2026. Île-de-France Mobilités is replacing it with line 9517 via Saint-Denis-Pleyel, promising faster journeys thanks to connections with lines 13, 14, and the RER D. [Read more]
Transport fares in Île-de-France are set to increase in January 2026. Île-de-France Mobilités is proposing a 2.3% increase, which will apply to both the monthly Navigo pass, rising to €90.80, and metro tickets, rising to €2.55. The vote will take place on December 10, 2025. [Read more]
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A new express bus route is launching between Seine-et-Marne and Essonne
Lost luggage on the train: RATP updates procedures to reduce service disruptions
Transportation in Île-de-France: Final discontinuation of paper tickets on buses set for May 2026
Transportation in Paris: the new MF19 metro train to be introduced on two lines by December 2026
RER E: The Last MI2N Trains Expected to Be Phased Out by the End of 2026
Transport in Île-de-France: Four new express bus lines scheduled to launch in 2026
Line 18: the first of four new Grand Paris Express lines set to open in 2026
Grand Paris Low-Emission Zone: Polluting vehicles allowed until the end of 2026 without penalties
No Parking Allowed Within 5 Meters of Crosswalks Starting January 1, 2027
RoissyBus is ending: how to get to Charles de Gaulle Airport, what are the alternatives?
Navigo pass and metro-train tickets: new fares expected in January 2026
