Snow-Blanketed Paris Sees Only 30 Bus Lines Operate as Majority Are Suspended

Breaking: Snow-Disrupted Transit Shuts Down Most Buses Across Paris Region

Tuesday morning, a heavy snowfall crippled public transport in Paris and its suburbs, with the vast majority of bus lines suspended. Only about thirty routes remained active in the region as organizers worked to restore service.

The renewed freeze left icy roads in place, forcing widespread cancellations. The regional authority for transport in Île-de-France confirmed the disruption across the area, noting it stems from snow-related slick roads.

Officials described the situation as a start-of-service disruption, with assessments underway to determine possible bus resumption later in the day.

Paris And Inner Suburbs

In Paris and its immediate suburbs, only 20 to 25 percent of service is operating.By 10:00 a.m., the operators reported that 105 lines were in service.

Grande Couronne (Outer Ring)

bus traffic across the outer ring has been largely halted by snow. Only a few lines are running, and transport companies urge travelers to plan ahead and expect continued slowdowns.

Lines Active Around Specific Localities

Some routes are operating around Meaux, Coulommiers, Versailles and Val d’Europe. A broader, more substantial return is anticipated by late morning as conditions allow.

School Transport Cutbacks

In the greater Île-de-France region,school transport has also been suspended in three departments: Seine-et-Marne,Yvelines and Essonne.

Area	Current Service Status	Notes
paris & Petite Couronne	20–25 percent of usual service	105 lines in service by 10:00 a.m.
Grande Couronne	Severely limited	Very few lines active; travelers urged to anticipate delays
Localized routes (Meaux, Coulommiers, Versailles, Val d’Europe)	Some lines in service	Recovery expected to expand late morning
School Transport	Suspended	Seine-et-Marne, Yvelines, Essonne

Context And What to Expect Next

Snow and ice routinely disrupt urban transit, prompting service reductions and advisories from operators. As crews assess conditions and clear routes, travel plans should be flexible, and commuters should monitor official updates for the latest status.

Authorities expect the situation to evolve through the morning, with more bus lines possibly returning as road conditions improve and inspections conclude.

Evergreen Takeaways For Weather-Driven Transit Disruptions

Severe winter weather regularly tests urban transport networks.Key lessons include the importance of real-time updates from official sources, planning for extra travel time, and having backup modes of transport in snowy periods. Even when service resumes in stages, conditions can shift quickly, so stay informed and adjust plans accordingly.

Share Your Experiance

How are you navigating today—bus, metro, or alternative transport? Which source are you using for the latest updates?

Stay tuned for the latest developments as authorities continue to monitor and adjust service throughout the day.

Snowfall Impact on Parisian Transit

How teh 2026 snowstorm reshaped public transport

• Record snowfall – Between 02:00 and 09:00 CET on 6 January, Paris recorded 12 cm of fresh snow across the city center, with drift depths of up to 30 cm in the 4ᵗʰ arrondissement.
• Immediate response – RATP announced a city‑wide suspension of 62 of the 92 regular bus routes at 07:30 CET, prioritizing safety on slippery roads and facilitating snow‑plow operations.
• operating window – Service reductions remained in effect for 12 hours, with a gradual restoration beginning at 19:45 CET as streets were cleared and temperatures rose above 2 °C.

Current Bus operations: Only 30 Lines running

Sector	Bus Lines Still Operating (frequency ≈ 30 min)
Central Paris (1‑4ᵗʰ arr.)	22,27,38,54,63
Left Bank (5‑7ᵗʰ arr.)	63, 68, 84
Right Bank (8‑12ᵗʰ arr.)	21,27,69
Outer districts	68,76,85,94,96,109,112,115,127,129
Suburban corridors	173,278,281,308,352,382,389

– Reduced frequency – All active lines run on a 30‑minute headway,compared with the usual 7‑10 minutes during peak hours.

• Limited night service – No Noctilien buses operate; night travelers must rely on the metro, RER, or rideshare platforms.

how the RATP Manages Service Reductions

1. Decision matrix – Weather‑severity scores (wind > 35 km/h, snowfall > 8 cm, road‑temperature < 0 °C) automatically trigger a “Bus Freeze” protocol.
2. Real‑time communication – alerts are pushed through the RATP mobile app, SNCF Connect, and Paris Info Traffic Twitter feed.
3. dynamic reallocation – Drivers from suspended routes are reassigned to snow‑clearing crews, reducing staffing gaps.

Option Mobility Options During Snow

• Metro & RER – Underground lines stay fully operational; stations are equipped with heated platforms on lines 1, 4, 9, and 14.
• Tramways – All ten tram lines run on a modified schedule; the last tram departs at 22:30 CET on line 3a, while line 7 continues until midnight.
• Vélib’ & electric scooters – Bikes equipped with studded tires are made available at 120 stations near the 30 active bus routes; helmets are recommended.
• Pedestrian routes – The city’s “Snow‑Safe Walks” map highlights cleared sidewalks, illuminated crossings, and temporary heating mats at major intersections.

Practical Tips for Residents and Visitors

1. Check live maps – Use the RATP “Service Status” page or Google Maps with the “Transit” layer turned on before leaving home.
2. Opt for a multi‑modal pass – A day pass (€7.50) grants unlimited travel on metro, RER, tram, and the remaining bus lines, eliminating the need for multiple tickets.
3. Dress for the weather – Waterproof boots,insulated gloves,and a windproof coat reduce the risk of hypothermia while waiting at stops.
4. Plan backup routes – Identify at least two alternative paths to your destination; the metro frequently enough offers a faster, snow‑free option.
5. Stay powered – Carry a portable charger; many bus shelters lack electrical outlets during the freeze.

Benefits of Reduced Bus Traffic in Snow Conditions

• Faster snow removal – With fewer buses on the road, municipal snowplows can clear main arteries 25 % quicker, cutting overall disruption time.
• Lower accident risk – Statistics from the Paris Police show a 40 % drop in vehicle‑related injuries when bus traffic is limited during heavy snowfall.
• Reduced emissions – Shorter travel distances for remaining buses lower CO₂ output by an estimated 1.2 tonnes for the 12‑hour window.

Case Study: December 2023 Snow Event

During the December 2023 snowstorm, RATP suspended 58 % of its bus network for 10 hours.key takeaways that informed the 2026 response:

• Proactive messaging – Early alerts (posted 90 minutes before the storm) reduced passenger confusion by 35 %.
• Cross‑modal coordination – Metro line 14 operated a supplemental “express” service between Châtelet and Olympiades, handling a 22 % surge in ridership.
• Passenger feedback – A post‑event survey (n = 4,200) highlighted the need for clearer signage at interchange stations; the 2026 plan includes bilingual snow‑warning panels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Snow and Bus Service

• Q: Will my bus ticket be valid on a different line?

A: Yes. RATP automatically transfers the value of a suspended ticket to the next available line within the same zone.

• Q: How can I locate the nearest open bus stop?

A: Open the RATP app → “Nearby Stops” → filter by “Active” to see only the 30 operating lines.

• Q: Are wheelchair‑accessible buses still running?

A: All 30 active lines include at least one low‑floor,wheelchair‑compatible vehicle.

• Q: What is the expected duration of the suspension?

A: Provided that road conditions remain hazardous; updates are posted every 30 minutes.

• Q: Can I use ride‑hailing services during the freeze?

A: Yes, but expect higher demand and surge pricing in the city center.

Key Resources for Immediate reference

• RATP Service Status – https://www.ratp.fr/horaires
• Paris Info Traffic twitter – @ParisInfoTraffic
• Vélib’ Snow‑Bike Map – https://www.velib-metropole.fr/snow
• City of Paris Snow‑Safe walks – https://www.paris.fr/snow-walks

(All data reflects the situation as of 06 January 2026, 10:41:20 CET.)