RATP

RATP, or Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens, is a state-owned public transport operator responsible for a major portion of the Île-de-France transit network surrounding Paris, France. Based in Paris, it operates the Paris Métro, most of the regional bus network, and several tram lines. The group also provides services outside the region through its international subsidiary, RATP Dev.

History: The organization was created in 1949 after the nationalization of privately run transit companies that had previously operated in the capital. It brought metro, bus and tram operations under a single public authority. Over subsequent decades, RATP expanded and modernized the network, including the introduction of automated trains on certain metro lines and the development of tram services.

Governance: RATP is a public-sector company owned by the French state and the Île-de-France regional authority. It operates under contracts with Île-de-France Mobilités, the regional transport authority, which defines service levels and funding. The company remains non-commercial, with oversight by public authorities.

Operations and expansion: In the Île-de-France region, RATP operates the majority of the Paris Métro and substantial portions of the bus network and several tram routes. It often works in collaboration with other operators for overlapping services. Internationally, RATP Dev manages transit networks in different countries under long-term contracts.