Overview of the October 2, 2025 Strike
On Thursday, October 2, 2025, riders across Paris and the wider Île-de-France region will face a new wave of mobilization called by a broad intersyndicale coalition. After negotiations with the Prime Minister failed to yield a settlement on the 2026 budget and related austerity measures, unions have urged a national day of action focused on social and fiscal justice. In Parisian transport corridors, the forecast is notably calmer than during the September 18 action, with most metro and tram services expected to run normally.
Île-de-France Mobilités published its line-by-line traffic expectations on Tuesday evening, signaling a day when travel remains feasible for most commuters, but with notable exceptions on several RER and Transilien lines. The automatic metro lines 1, 4 and 14 are not at risk of disruption and should operate as usual.
Traffic by mode: what to expect on the day
RER
- RER A: normal to near-normal service
- RER B: normal to near-normal service
- RER C: slightly perturbed
- RER D: heavily disrupted
- RER E: disrupted
Trains de banlieue (Transilien)
- Ligne H: slightly disrupted
- Ligne J: normal to near-normal
- Ligne K: normal to near-normal
- Ligne L: disrupted
- Ligne N: disrupted
- Ligne P: normal to near-normal
- Ligne R: heavily disrupted
- Ligne U: disrupted
- Ligne V: normal to near-normal
Metro et tramway
Laid out with a focus on reliability, the metro network is expected to run normally to near-normally across most lines. The automatic lines 1, 4 and 14 will continue their uninterrupted service, providing stable alternatives for those who rely on the core network.
Bus
Bus traffic is anticipated to be normal to near-normal across Paris and the inner and outer suburbs, with some exceptions in Argenteuil and around Roissy Pays de France where specific routes may see disruptions.
Top disruptions to watch
The most significant impacts are on the RER D and the Transilien R lines, which are expected to display strong disruptions. RER E and Transilien lines L, N and U are also likely to experience notable interruptions. In contrast, the central metro and the automatic lines should provide stable service, making them reliable options for essential travel.
How to travel on October 2
Riders are advised to plan ahead and consider flexible arrangements. If possible, teleworking remains the best way to avoid travel frictions. For essential trips, the immediate options include using the normally reliable metro lines 1, 4 and 14 as anchors, considering carpooling via BlaBlaCar Daily or Karos, and borrowing bicycles or e-scooters for short distances. Regularly checking the RATP and SNCF Connect apps will provide real-time updates as the day unfolds.
Why this day of action?
The grève responds to the broader opposition to the government’s budget for 2026, with unions demanding stronger social protections and fairer taxation. Key points of contention include proposed changes to healthcare charges, civil service job reductions, unemployment reform, and measures aimed at tax equity for high earners and large fortunes. The intersyndicale—comprising CFDT, CGT, FO, CFE-CGC, CFTC, UNSA, FSU and Solidaires—continues to align with cheminots’ unions (CGT Cheminots, UNSA Ferroviaire, SUD-Rail, CFDT Cheminots) in pressing for a decisive response from authorities.
Parade route and public event in Paris
An anti-budget demonstration is scheduled in Paris, with a starting point at Place d’Italie (13th arrondissement) at 14:00. The procession is set to move toward Place Vauban near the Invalides in the late afternoon, passing through the Gobelins district and Montparnasse. Travellers should anticipate crowding in central Paris and plan for alternative routes or larger travel windows.
Airport and schools note
Beyond city transport, strikes extend to some airports, though authorities assure that Paris-area airports remain generally manageable. The DGAC has warned of reduced operations at Beauvais by about 30%, urging travelers to verify flights in advance. The broader education and public sectors are also affected as part of the nationwide mobilization, with implications for students and staff in Île-de-France schools.
Practical tips for residents
- Check real-time traffic via RATP/SNCF Connect before leaving home.
- Prefer telework or flexible hours when possible.
- Use metro lines 1, 4, and 14 as reliable alternatives if you must travel.
- Consider carpooling or short-distance bike/trottinette options for first/last mile.
- Follow the demonstration route and allow extra time if you’re near central Paris.
