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No More Bus Direct (Old Cars Air France) in Paris

BFM TV reported yesterday that the bus service (comfortable coaches) that brought passengers between CDG and Orly airports and the city (and between the two airports) will not resume service, a victim of the Coronavirus travel troubles.
https://www.bfmtv.com/amp/economie/la-navette-le-bus-direct-de-paris-a-ses-aeroports-ne-devrait-pas-reprendre-du-service_AD-202008150036.html

They closed the service to/from Orly April 1 when that airport closed; then cut off service to/from CDG a few days later.

They thought they would reopen in mid-June but say they just don’t have enough passengers to make it a going concern.

The article said they have some 180 employees of which 160 are drivers. The parent company hopes to be able to place all the employees in some of their other regional services.

I hate for this one to go — it was a nice compromise between the hell of the RER or the 351 bus and the expense of a taxi, if one was traveling alone.

Posted by
2766 posts

Well phrased, Kim, and I agree that this was a great middle option that was more peaceful than the RER and more affordable than a taxi. Now that taxi fares between the airport and the central arrondissements are standardized and can be arranged ahead online, I guess I will be budgeting for those instead of the dependable curb stop for this coach.

I liked overhearing the conversations on the coach; it helped me get my ears tuned for French as a visit began!

Posted by
3990 posts

This is really a shame.

Posted by
7937 posts

Drat. Thank you for the advance notice, while we wait to be able to fly in sometime in the future!

Posted by
6531 posts

Oh, no! That was a great service. We used it the last two times we arrived in Paris.

Posted by
3522 posts

The company is not going away, only the service between the airports. This gives hope that it will be possible when travel volumes recover the service could be restarted.

Posted by
10625 posts

That is not what the article states, Mark. Kim’s summary is correct. It has permanently shut down.

Posted by
3522 posts

The parent company hopes to be able to place all the employees in some of their other regional services.

Therefore, the COMPANY will remain. And yes, the article does not state they are only temporarily closing the service, but if there is a need in the future (maybe not this year, next year, or even another year into the future), they would be in the best spot to resume service to satisfy the need, wouldn't they?

Posted by
93 posts

Bus Direct was a nightmare so good riddance! It was well managed under Air France so hopefully someone will buy or revive this bus service soon...for now uber or a taxi (all flat rates) are best option to/from airport

Posted by
1227 posts

Is this the RoisseyBus? If so, that is a shame, That is the way I routinely get from CDG to downtown Paris—and as mentioned, is a reasonable alternative to either the RER or taxis.

Posted by
10625 posts

No, Roissybus is run by RATP, is a bus rather than a comfy coach that stores luggage below.

Posted by
2916 posts

Really a shame. We've used it many times over the years, when it was Air France and then Le Bus Direct. Never a problem, and it was very comfortable.

Posted by
1382 posts

This is terrible news! It always made it so easy for me to get to Montparnasse.