PARIS, Sept 19 (Bernama-dpa) -- Tourists in Paris will have to brace themselves for higher ticket prices for the Metro underground rail network and local public transport starting early next year, the regional transport authority for Greater Paris announced on Wednesday, according to the German news agency (dpa).
The transport authority plans to simplify its fare structure, with some tickets popular among tourists becoming more expensive.
However, there will be significantly cheaper fares for residents of the suburbs. The aim is to encourage these residents to switch from cars to public transport, according to Valérie Pécresse, president of the transport authority for the Greater Paris Île-de-France region.
Pécresse told Tuesday's edition of the newspaper Le Parisien: "The only ones who will pay more are tourists, as tickets to the airport and the Paris Visite ticket will become more expensive."
A new standard fare of €13 (US$14.46) will be introduced for transfers between airports and the city centre, whether by bus or Metro. Currently, the cheapest option costs €10.30.
Day or multi-day tickets intended for visitors will only be available for Greater Paris, with no cheaper option, restricted to the city limits.
Previously, a one-day ticket limited to the city area was priced at €13.95. In the future, a day ticket will cost €29.90, but it will be valid for travel throughout the Greater Paris area, including the airports.
The price of a single ticket will also rise from €2.15 to €2.50. However, unlike before, it will now allow travel to the suburbs, such as for a visit to the Palace of Versailles.
-- BERNAMA-dpa
