Paris Metro abolishes paper tickets after 125 years

Previously, the number of paper tickets had already been gradually reduced. For example, the "Carnet de 10," a stack of ten single tickets (previously laminated together) offering a reduced fare, which was particularly popular with tourists, was discontinued two years ago. Anyone still carrying paper single tickets can continue to use them until next year. Paper tickets can also be exchanged at a later date.

Abolishing paper tickets serves the purpose of environmental protection.

The abolition of paper tickets is also intended to benefit the environment. At the start of the transition, RATP estimated that more than 500 million paper tickets are sold every year – and end up in the trash or on the street. The sturdy paper tickets were introduced with the opening of the first Paris Metro line 125 years ago. The design of the tickets has changed many times since then.

Tourists visiting Paris will soon find it best to purchase a rechargeable "Navigo Easy" card, which can be used to download multi-day passes for visitors to the city from ticket machines. The "Navigo Easy" card also allows users to download the exact number of single tickets needed for their stay in Paris. This can be significantly cheaper than a multi-day pass. It's also possible to buy and validate tickets using a smartphone. Unlike in London, simply using a credit card as a ticket is not possible in Paris.