Transports en Île-de-France roll out new jingle to improve passenger information and accessibility

A new sound will soon punctuate your journeys. To mark and clarify each audio message, a short jingle is now arriving on public transport in the Paris region. It promises to provide more cues, especially at busy times.

Why a common jingle is coming now

Behind this signal is Île-de-France Mobilités. The authority then commissioned Chez Jean, a company founded by Jean Dindinaud, with composer Arnaud Biscay. The objective is simple and useful: to provide a clear sound identity.

In this way, everyone will be able to recognize the opening of an official message. Harmonization avoids cacophony between modes and operators. It also supportsaccessibility for visually impaired travellers.

The jingle will be broadcast before announcements on the metro, RER, streetcar and bus. It will then arrive at RATP and SNCF Voyageurs Transilien stations. As a result, all transport services in the Île-de-France region will share a common landmark.

“This sound signal should reassure and guide, without being intrusive.”

What you’ll hear, and where

The sound remains brief, with a few clean notes. So it’s gentle on the ear, yet distinct. In short, it announces useful information, then gives way to the voice.

You’ll hear it on platforms, on board and in some news videos. From now on, it will mark the opening of messages on the entire network, including the official app. As a result, transport in the Paris region will gain a clear, stable signal.

• A unique sound cue for official messages.
• Broadcast in metro, RER, streetcar, bus, stations and applications.
• Piloted by IDFM, with RATP, SNCF Voyageurs and Chez Jean studio.
• Progressive, phased deployment and technical updates.
• Priority to accessibility and quick comprehension.

Accessibility, safety, comfort: the expected benefits

For visually impaired passengers, this audible cue facilitates orientation. It signals the arrival of an instruction and attracts attention at just the right moment. In the Paris region, background noise often makes announcements difficult.

In the event of an incident, clarity counts. On the other hand, an isolated beep can cause stress without providing information. Here, the jingle opens, then the message explains the steps to follow.

The short format limits sound fatigue. What’s more, user tests guided the development process, according to IDFM. The desired balance: effective, yet discreet in everyday use.

Who designed this sound identity?

Studio Chez Jean piloted the creation, with Jean Dindinaud. Then composer Arnaud Biscay shaped the melody, designed for repetition. In this way, the whole remains memorable without saturating the listener.

The operators worked together under the aegis of IDFM. Coordination covers the entire Île-de-France transport network, to avoid duplication. Listening groups validated the principles, using the project method.

Progressive deployment: what will change for you?

Sound will not appear everywhere on the same day. From now on, deployment will be phased in over the course of updates. On the 14 metro lines and 5 RER lines, arrival will depend on local systems.

When you hear it, listen carefully. A useful message follows, whether it’s a delay or an instruction. For transport users in the Île-de-France region, it’s an easy reference point, especially during busy periods.

In the app and on the screens, the principle will remain the same. As a result, you’ll find the same signature from platform to smartphone. In short, continuity reduces the effort required to pay attention, even at peak times.

• transport in Île-de-France