I just heard a radio programme (not at all transport-related) that trains on the Paris Metro (or at least certain lines thereof) included a section classified as first class, until as recently as 1981. (Googling brings up the legislation approved in that year that abolished this, so this is clearly correct. Hmm, the year that France had its first Socialist President, too....). And also that elderly and disabled people with 2nd class tickets were allowed to use 1st class carriages during the rush hours or when the 2nd class carriages were crowded.
Does anyone know anything more about the 1st class metro carriages? Such as, how luxurious were they, what was special about them? (I suppose the question of how on earth it was ensured that only people entitled to use the carriages used them in another matter). Some photos would be most appreciated too - some searches on Google Images and Flickr haven't turned up anything.
Does anyone know anything more about the 1st class metro carriages? Such as, how luxurious were they, what was special about them? (I suppose the question of how on earth it was ensured that only people entitled to use the carriages used them in another matter). Some photos would be most appreciated too - some searches on Google Images and Flickr haven't turned up anything.