Clive wrote:
Does anyone on the group have any idea if the Paris (RATP?) has
anything like Oyster prepay? Thanks.

Something like Oyster, yes, but not pre-pay yet. Navigo is a similar
type of contactless smartcard, currently being used by over 1.5 million
passengers in the Paris region - Metro, RER, SNCF and buses - but it's
only available at present for season ticket holders, including the
equivalent of weekly Travelcards (Cartes Oranges). It's only available
to residents in France, and you have to apply for it by post with a
passport-style photo. (However I read somewhere that you can buy an
"anonymous" one for 5 euros if you're worried about the system tracking
your movements, but haven't seen this advertised.)

I believe there are long term plans to extend it to other tickets, but
haven't seen any firm dates. Certainly RATP want to phase out magnetic
tickets eventually. They have already started to close down station
ticket offices. When I was in Paris last month, there was a manned
information desk, but all tickets had to be bought at the machines,
which had instructions only in French, and wouldn't accept non-French
credit cards. Not very friendly to tourists!
--
Richard J.
(to e-mail me, swap uk and yon in address)