"Our action plan is ambitious, we are pioneers in this area compared to all networks and our levels are lower than other networks," defends Sophie Mazoué, head of sustainable development at the RATP group. Questioning the reliability of the "Vert de rage" study on fine particle pollution in the metro – "The approach is interesting, but we must ensure that the devices are reference and the scientific protocol, respected" – she lists the measures undertaken.
And first of all, the five "continuous monitoring stations" installed in Auber (RER A), Châtelet (line 4), Franklin-Roosevelt (line 1), Nation (RER A) and Châtelet-les Halles (RER A): "The data are available on our website, and we supplement them with other ad hoc measurements. We thus have a global vision of the network," says Sophie Mazoué.
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Since 2020, RATP has also been experimenting with a device to capture particles at their source, with brake lining supplier Wabtec. "Three trains of the RER A are already equipped and seven others should be before the end of the year," says the manager, also explaining that the Régie is working to "reduce as much as possible particulate emissions" thanks to "electric" braking on lines 2, 5, 9 and 14. Lines that are however among the most polluted according to the survey of Green rage.
An air filtration system was tested in 2019 with Suez, but it needs to be reworked, because currently "too bulky and noisy". "Finally, we are creating or strengthening the ventilation system," continues RATP.
"There is no silver bullet"
Île-de-France Mobilités, the authority that organizes transport in the region, under the aegis of Valérie Pécresse, is financing 57.3 million euros for the equipment or modernization of forty fans by 2024 for the RATP. That is 10% of the existing fleet for sites such as Gare-de-Lyon, Nation, Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile, Auber, Jaurès and Stalingrad. "Each time, it's 30% less particulate emissions," says Sophie Mazoué.
As for criticism of the lack of transparency or action against air pollution, RATP defends itself: "We already communicate very widely and are hyper dynamic. But there is no silver bullet. Improving air quality will require a series of experiments. All of this takes time. »