Refrigerated jackets, breaks, bottles of water … What did the SNCF and RATP plan for this heat wave weekend to protect customers and agents?

The two operators have taken measures for their customers but also for their agents, very exposed to these strong heat.

This is the first very big heat of the year. Temperatures are climbing since Thursday and until the “day of Saturday which should constitute the peak of this episode, especially in the West region, with values ​​which will be frequently located between 34 and 37 or even 38 degrees,” said Météo France.

For the transport sector, it is a challenge: it is a question of protecting customers but also agents.

In Paris and in the Ile-de-France region, Ile-de-France Mobilités indicates that almost 60% of buses and buses are air conditioned, that two-thirds of trains and RERs are air conditioned or equipped with refrigerated ventilation.

Half (only) of the metros in circulation are equipped with refrigerated ventilation while 100% of trams are equipped with air conditioning.

Water fountains and refrigerated ventilation to RATP

It will therefore be very hot in the oars. The RATP specifies that “on certain lines, installing real air conditioning is not possible: the tunnels are too narrow, which would risk overheating the air and blocking traffic. Refrigerated ventilation is less powerful than a classic air conditioning, but more compatible with the infrastructure, it still allows you to refresh the atmosphere on board”.

The Île-de-France region has also listed all the places to stay cool in Paris and its region and thus access nearby climatic shelters. In addition, 136 water fountains were deployed throughout the network.

For its part, SNCF Voyageurs invites travelers to bring water in anticipation of their trip, hydrate regularly and pay particular attention to fragile people (children, the elderly).

“Prevention messages are already in place on information channels (websites, social networks, etc.). Our heads of log also disseminate these messages on board trains and watch over the most sensitive travelers. Water bottles have been loaded on board the main lines if necessary,” said a spokesperson.

The railway company, like all transport operators, nevertheless anticipate the summer period and the risk of heat wave upstream. For several months, she has been preparing. These are the ATS for “other systematic work before the hot season”.

It is a question of operating preventive maintenance, to seek the breakdown and thus be able to anticipate them, to change the parts if necessary. The emphasis is placed on the air conditioning blocks that equip the TGVs.

Upstream work at the SNCF around the air conditioning of TGVs

It must be said that it is almost impossible to roll a train without air conditioning ‘. If this component breaks down in a car before a start, the heat on board can quickly become unbearable.

If it is always possible for the train controller to move the passengers from one car to another, when the train is full, as it will be this summer, it becomes problematic.

“From September, we order the spare parts, we secure the supply in particular everything related to air conditioning”, explained to us a year ago, Jean-Philippe Martin, the director of the Technicentre is European.

The operations consist in cleaning the blocks, scrutinizing the slightest fluid leak, testing. “We are increasing the stock of parts which allows us to be able to repair much more quickly clims that will be asked. It allows us to be reactive, to intervene in 48 hours and to put the train back in circulation,” explains Elodie Creuzot, proximity manager at the SNCF.

For trains in circulation, “we have worked on the strengthening of the monitoring system. Maintenance convenience stores analyze in real time the defect codes raised by the trains to anticipate breakdowns and plan repairs during the next school year”, explains the operator

Prevention and right of withdrawal for agents

And for employees, especially driving agents who work in overheated cabins, especially due to supermarkets?

In a leaflet, Sud Rail recalls that a decree published on May 27, 2025 now obliges employers to take concrete and immediate measures to protect employees exposed to heat.

At the SNCF or elsewhere, the employer must provide free and regularly fresh water (in the absence of running water, the employer must ensure the provision of at least 3 liters of water per day per worker), make available to fans, foggers, allow more frequent breaks …

“The employer who does not respect these rules is exposed to sanctions, in particular in the event of a work accident. His inexcusable fault can be recognized if he has been alerted, in particular by staff representatives, without any measure having been taken”, warns the organization which calls for “right of withdrawal” in the absence of prevention measures.

Contacted, the SNCF indicates that certain driving cabins (in the most recent trains) are air -conditioned and/or equipped with blinds.

The group says it ensures the supply of isothermal gourdes, a stock of water in places of service, while water fountains are installed and awareness campaign (recall of the rules in the event of high heat) launched.

At the RATP, “bus drivers, particularly exposed in their glass driving, benefit from a dedicated device from the first signs of excessive heat”, explains the Régie.

RATP refrigerated jackets

“The driving cabins, which are not all equipped with air conditioning, are subject to a particular vigilance: beyond certain temperature thresholds (between 25 ° C and 30 ° C),” heat surveys “are organized. They allow drivers to benefit from extended length pause time, or even a reduction in the number of circulation carried out”, explains the operator.

“For station and station agents, a prolonged break system is also provided, accompanied by the distribution of water and the provision of hydration points. The air conditioning and refreshing systems in the premises are regularly controlled and maintained to guarantee their proper functioning,” he adds.

The drivers are authorized to wear pants transformable into Bermuda or a skirt in a portfolio for drivers, in addition to the regulatory outfit.

“Similar devices are implemented for drivers and station agents of the Ferre network,” adds the RATP.

In addition, the RATP successfully tested during the summer of 2024 the refreshing jackets for the drivers of lines 3, 6, 7 and 13 of the metro, “discussions are underway for a generalization of this innovation at all metro lines during the year 2025”.