Paris, December 22 – The familiar ‘java réinventée’ jingle that has accompanied commuters on the Paris Metro for nearly two decades will be replaced by a new sonic identity in 2026. This change, orchestrated by Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM), aims to unify the region’s transport network under a single brand.
The End of an Era: RATP’s Sonic Signature Bows Out
The current jingle, composed in 2005, has been a staple not only in metro stations but also on buses and trams. Its replacement marks a significant step in IDFM’s strategy to establish itself as the sole reference point for travelers in Île-de-France, gradually superseding the RATP’s long-standing presence. The new sound will begin its phased rollout in mid-January 2026, with full deployment across buses, trams, metro, RER, and trains by July of the same year.
IDFM, the authority responsible for managing public transport in the Île-de-France region, is actively involved in renovating, purchasing new rolling stock, and modernizing ticketing systems. Its overarching goal is to create a seamless and coherent transport experience, where the individual identities of operators like RATP, SNCF, Keolis, and Transdev are progressively integrated into a unified IDFM brand.
Unifying the Network: A Strategic Shift
“Ultimately, IDFM must become the benchmark for travelers, the point of reference for all their questions. The idea is to bring clarity and simplify the lives of passengers,” states an IDFM representative. This strategic shift is part of a broader effort, which also saw the historic green and navy blue uniforms of RATP bus drivers replaced by new anthracite gray and light blue attire, aligning with IDFM’s chosen color scheme already adopted by other operators since 2020.
The move to a new sonic identity is not merely a cosmetic change. “It’s not about changing the music just for the sake of it,” insists IDFM. However, the decision has been met with mixed reactions. Internally at RATP, some employees express a sense of loss. “There’s a bit of dismay. Another marker of our company is disappearing,” whispered an RATP insider.
Public and Expert Reactions to the Change
Commuters also voiced varying opinions. Sophie, encountered at Les Halles station, remarked, “Honestly, I don’t really see the point of changing the music. The main thing is that the messages are clear. Sometimes, they’re not always understandable.” Erwan, on his way to catch a metro, added, “The jingles are a detail. What I want is reliable transport without disruptions. The rest, I don’t care about! Anyway, I always have my headphones on!”
A jury comprising representatives from IDFM, RATP, and Transilien SNCF Voyageurs carefully selected the new notes that will precede passenger announcements. The criteria included creating a sound that would capture passengers’ attention without being aggressive, and one that would be pleasant to hear in both enclosed spaces like stations and more open environments like buses.
After considering several candidates, the creative sound and music agency “Chez Jean,” known for its work with brands like Saint-Laurent, Nike, and France 3, was unanimously chosen. The new musical identity is expected to enhance the overall travel experience and reinforce IDFM’s brand presence across the Île-de-France transport network.
Source: https://www.leparisien.fr/info-paris-ile-de-france-oise/transports/les-jingles-avant-les-annonces-dans-le-metro-de-paris-vont-changer-en-2026-22-12-2025-WETEOALUSNBKVLZINKC36TGIDM.php
