Drafts in the corridors of the Paris metro are commonplace. But why is there so much wind in the basements of the capital? Explanations.
Users of the Paris metro know it well: whether it rains, snows or shines, there is always a lot of vent in the corridors and exits of the metro. Anyone who has never seen their hat fly away when changing lines at Nation should throw us the first transport ticket!
But why then drafts are so powerful and so common in the metro? This phenomenon can be explained by several reasons.
The primary cause of these sometimes extreme drafts is the metro trains themselves. And more precisely, thepiston effect. Questioned by the Huffington Postthe head of the ventilation department of the company Egis, a specialist in urban transport engineering, explains that the arrival and departure of trains in the stations cause large air movementswho then rush into the corridors of the metro. In addition, these stations are old, and were not built to support the faster and more frequent trains that we have today: they therefore have difficulty regulating these too frequent air currents, thus specifies Frédéric Waymel.
Ventilation shafts can be used to expel these winds produced by the metro, when they are not closed due to weather, or maintenance.
RATP, questioned by journalists from BFMTVconfirms that the piston effect is one of the main causes of these air currents. “ They have two identified origins: the circulation of trains in tunnels which causes what is called a “piston” effect and the fans which ensure air renewal and smoke extraction installed in the metro and RER tunnels. », Adds the Parisian transport manager. These winds are therefore also necessary for improve the air in the basement and evacuate the fumes.
If you want to avoid these winds worthy of the greatest mistrals in the Mediterranean, discover alternative means of transport in Paris.
Whether due to strikes, episodes of pollution or the price of gasoline, it is not always easy to get around the capital. We'll take you on a discovery of the alternative, license-free transport options that await you in Paris: perfect for enjoying the landscape during your journeys! [Lire la suite]
