Oh no! If you’re a regular RER C commuter, get ready for a bumpy ride in the coming weeks. SNCF has announced some big maintenance projects that will cause major service disruptions on the RER C line.
For four straight weekends, from September 16th to October 8th, 2023, no trains will run between Invalides and Juvisy stations, and between Invalides and Massy Palaiseau via Pont de Rungis, in both directions. This means a lot of stations will be inaccessible, including:
- Ivry-sur-Seine
- Vitry-sur-Seine
- Choisy-le-Roi
- Athis-Mons
- Massy-Verrières
- Pont de Rungis
- Orly Ville
- Musée d’Orsay
- Saint-Michel Notre-Dame
- Paris Austerlitz
- Bibliothèque François-Mitterrand
This is going to be a major inconvenience, especially for those planning to travel to Brétigny for the Fête de l’Huma on September 16th and 17th!
What’s Behind the Big Changes?
The SNCF explains that these disruptions are necessary for some essential projects:
- Renewal of track equipment at Vitry-sur-Seine
- Catenary regeneration between Choisy-le-Roi and Juvisy
- Redevelopment work on the Massy Valenton line, including the creation of a second track dedicated to TGVs
This all sounds like a lot of work, but it will hopefully lead to a smoother, more efficient RER C experience in the future!
Getting Around During the RER C Shutdowns:
We know this disruption is a huge pain, but don’t worry, there are ways to get around. SNCF Réseau has announced replacement buses running between Saint-Martin d’Etampes / Dourdan and Paris Austerlitz.
Beyond that, there are a few other options:
- Connect with the metro and bus lines, especially RER D and B, to reach Juvisy, Massy Palaiseau, or Massy-Verrières.
- For those traveling between Invalides and Paris Austerlitz:
- Take metro line 13 to Duroc, then metro line 10 to Gare d’Austerlitz.
- For the Paris Austerlitz <> Choisy-le-Roi route:
- Use regular bus routes 132, 180, 182, 323, 325.
- For the Choisy-le-Roi <> Massy Palaiseau via Pont de Rungis route:
- Use regular bus routes 183, 297, 319, 483, Tramway 9, and RER B (add 50 minutes to your travel time).
- For the Choisy-le-Roi <> Juvisy route:
- Use regular bus routes 480, 483, 487, TVM, and RER D on the Choisy-le-Roi <> Juvisy axis (add 50 minutes to your travel time).
- For traveling between Pont de Rungis and Massy Palaiseau:
- From Massy Palaiseau, take the RER B, or refer to regular bus routes 297 and 319.
Heads Up: RER B is Affected Too!
Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse, RER B is also experiencing some disruptions! On September 30th, 2023, traffic on the RER B will be interrupted between Fontaine-Michalon and Massy-Palaiseau stations.
Keep these disruptions in mind and plan accordingly. If you can, try to travel outside of peak hours or use alternative transportation.
We hope you’re able to navigate these changes smoothly and have a pleasant journey!
