RER E: Persistent Technical Issues Plague Extended Line, Exacerbate Commuter Frustrations
Introduction
Since the westward extension of the RER E inaugurated in May 2023, technical incidents have become a recurring nightmare for commuters. The line has been plagued by a series of disruptions, culminating in a complete suspension of service between Haussmann-Saint-Lazare and Nanterre-La Folie stations on Tuesday, causing major delays and inconvenience along the rest of the line.
Growing Frequency of Incidents
The incident on Tuesday was particularly alarming, as it was the latest in a string of disruptions that have plagued the line recently. Two days earlier, train service was interrupted between La Défense and Nanterre-La Folie due to a "failure of a network management system." Similar incidents have occurred on February 11th, January 28th, and January 14th, prompting Valérie Pécresse, President of the Île-de-France Region and Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM), to demand an explanation from the SNCF.
Root Causes
According to Arnaud Bertrand, President of the transportation advocacy group Plus de Trains, the incidents can be attributed to three main factors:
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New RER NG trains: The recently deployed RER NG trains are still in their testing phase and have proven less reliable than the older MI2N trains on this line.
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Signal system issues: While the line awaits the implementation of the Nexteo control system in 2026, it currently operates with a "backup signaling" system that is struggling to handle the daily challenges of the line.
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Incompatibility of train lubrication systems: The three types of trains currently operating on the line (MI2N, Francilien, and RER NG) have incompatible lubrication systems, which has led to recent major malfunctions.
Lubrication Issues
The lubrication issue is particularly concerning, as it has been a significant factor in many of the line’s problems. The different types of grease used by the different train models are not compatible, leading to the formation of gummy deposits on the rails. This reduces wheel adhesion and can cause trains to slip and stall.
Failed Expectations
The extension of the RER E was intended to alleviate congestion on the RER A, B, and D lines in Paris. However, the ongoing technical issues have prevented the line from reaching its full potential. Commuters, especially those relying on the RER D, which has been particularly hard-hit by the disruptions, are growing increasingly frustrated.
Ambitious Plans, Costly Delays
Île-de-France Mobilités had ambitious plans to increase the line’s capacity and reduce transit times, aiming to double its ridership to 600,000 daily passengers. However, these plans have been marred by delays and budget overruns. The project’s initial budget of 3.7 billion euros has ballooned to 5.4 billion euros, with local authorities forced to contribute an additional 600 million euros to complete the project.
Conclusion
The persistent technical issues on the RER E have become a major source of frustration and inconvenience for commuters. The line’s reliability has fallen short of expectations, and the ongoing disruptions have failed to deliver the promised improvements. The SNCF is facing mounting pressure to address the underlying causes of these incidents and restore the line to its intended level of efficiency.
