Based on a recent topic about a Paris Metro fine, I decided to use the Navigo Easy Pass for transport in Paris. I visited the official RATP website, and it recommends using the Bonjour RATP app for a Navigo Easy Pass, which is free, rather than purchasing a physical card for 2Euros. The website advertises that I can purchase t+ tickets and top up my balance directly through the app.
I downloaded the app, created an account, and received an email saying the same thing--"No more queues! Save time by purchasing your transport tickets directly from the Bonjour RATP app. Service accessible in 1 click, in the Titles section located in the application navigation bar."
When I click on the Tickets section, it prompts me to hold my Navigo pass (picture of a physical card is shown) to my phone so it can "read" my pass. Um, what? You mean I still have to buy a physical pass for 2 Euros in order to use my pass, purchase tickets, and top up on my phone? Am I missing something here? I thought the point of using the app was that I didn't have to purchase a physical card.
Am I doing something wrong? Thanks for any help you can provide.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
207 posts
Hi!
I have the app and purchase the tickets on my phone each trip.
Tickets (lower left)
On my phone (upper right)
Purchase (bottom center)
Posted by
OP
WestCentral MN
355 posts
Thank you, AbbyO! I wish I saw those options!! I have version 10.38.0 of the app installed on my iphone. The Tickets tab is on the lower right. When I press it, it only prompts me to read a Navigo pass. I can see no option to purchase on my phone. Even when I am on the Home tab, it says "No more queues, buy your tickets with Bonjour RATP." I click on "Buy a ticket" and it takes me to the same Tickets tab to read a Navigo pass.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
207 posts
Oh yes, I'm so sorry! I think it's Android-only for now. Apparently it's pretty expensive to build apps compatible with iPhones? I do remember hearing that IOS compatibility is coming soon...
It's too bad, because it is so very convenient to just tap your phone and go.
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
Yeah, using your phone as a ticket only works with some (not even all) Android phones...
The main point of the app for non-Android users is to let you charge your physical pass via NFC through your phone, without lining up at a machine. It is convenient.
Posted by
OP
WestCentral MN
355 posts
Thank you AbbyO and balso for your replies. At least I know its not me! Hopefully they will get things working better for iphones soon.
Posted by
27 posts
My husband and I are in Paris right now and we have used the app to reload our Navigo cards. It is very convenient. We like the idea of not standing at the machine in the station and using our credit card there.
We’ve recharged our cards a few times now, but one time, for whatever reason, one of our cards did not receive the carnet of ten tickets. We paid, we got a receipt, but no tickets on the card. We ended up reloading the card at the station and we seem to be out €16.90, which is annoying. We’re not sure if we did something wrong or if there was something wrong with that card.