Paris, February 12, 2025 – RER lines A and B are expected to face severe disruptions this Friday, February 14, 2025, as RATP train drivers launch a strike to protest issues with the company’s new scheduling and leave management system.
The strike, called by the La Base and FO-RATP unions, follows weeks of complaints from around 870 train drivers who have been affected by malfunctions in the software.
Despite triggering a “social alarm” on Monday in hopes of reaching an agreement, negotiations with management have failed, leading to the planned work stoppage.
Traffic Impact and Additional Disruptions
RATP will release its official traffic forecast for the strike this Friday evening, but significant delays and train cancellations are expected. This industrial action coincides with scheduled maintenance work on RER lines A and B, further compounding disruptions.
In addition to the strike, major infrastructure works on railway lines B, D, H, and K will take place between February 14 and 17. These works include the replacement of a railway bridge at Saint-Denis, which will result in service suspensions and timetable changes.
One of the most notable impacts will be the suspension of the RER B and D interconnection at Gare du Nord. No RER D trains will operate between Paris-Gare du Nord and Paris-Gare de Lyon during this period, increasing passenger congestion on metro line 4, which will be heavily used between Châtelet and Gare du Nord.
Additionally, significant reductions in service are expected for the H and K lines, as well as for the Paris-Laon and Paris-Beauvais TER routes.
Authorities Advise Travelers to Plan Ahead
The SNCF and regional authorities are strongly advising commuters to avoid traveling through Gare du Nord on Friday, as the combination of strike action and planned engineering works is expected to cause extensive delays and overcrowding.
Travelers are encouraged to plan their journeys well in advance and regularly check real-time traffic updates provided by RATP and SNCF.
For those impacted, alternative transportation options such as carpooling, cycling, or utilizing other public transit routes may help mitigate the inconvenience. Employers may also consider allowing remote work where possible to ease congestion.
Ongoing Negotiations and Possible Developments
The strike highlights ongoing tensions between RATP management and train drivers, who are demanding urgent fixes to the scheduling software that has disrupted their work schedules and leave arrangements.
The outcome of last-minute discussions between unions and RATP leadership could influence the final scale of disruptions. As the situation develops, commuters are urged to stay informed about service changes and updates.
RATP’s official communication channels, social media, and SNCF’s traffic advisory services will provide the latest information to help travelers navigate what is expected to be a challenging commute.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
