The RATP, also known as the Régie Automonome de Transport Parisiens, is an organization that was founded in 1950. Established as a state-controlled public transport provider and operator, it maintains its headquarters in Paris, France. Formed in 1949, it is the only operator of the public transportation network of Paris, and is the leading operator of buses, coaches and metro cars. The company also has the rights to operate other types of public transportation such as taxis, coaches and metro trains, among others. With over 300 buses, coaches and metro cars, the RATP is also one of the largest and most powerful companies in the public transportation sector in the whole of France.
There are two types of RATP transport service: bus services and coach services. The bus services are the most used and preferred by tourists and residents, while the coach services are more popular among students. There are numerous bus lines and routes serving the entire metro system, as well as other cities, including Paris, Toulouse and Nice. Moreover, there are also bus lines serving the regional centers and towns. These include the RER A, B, C, D, E, K, R, T, U, V, X, Y, RER B, C, M and the RER G. These bus lines serve all major tourist attractions of Paris, such as the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Coeur and Montmartre, among others. They have buses that offer accommodation facilities as well, including the services of a bar or restaurant for passengers traveling late at night.
The RATP has another network of sub-branch offices located in different cities across Europe and the United States. One of the sub-branches is the ROTP headquarters in Toronto, Ontario. From here, they serve over 5 million people a year who have come to the city to shop, visit museums and enjoy the cultural heritage of Canada. The RATP also maintains offices in London, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester, among others. Some of the sub-branches of RATP in other countries also have branches in other countries, and work with their national partners, but operate their own networks in their local markets. These include branches in New Zealand and the Caribbean.
