Transport, savings, retirement… Everything that changes on January 1, 2025

France – The new year brings its share of changes. This Wednesday, January 1, 2025, the day after New Year's Eve, several new rules come into force and developments must be taken into account for millions of French people.

These transformations concern varied and essential areas, such as transport, health and even savings. Some measures aim to simplify daily life, others to respond to economic or environmental issues. HuffPost takes stock of what is changing for the transition to the new year.

• From nnew prices for transport in Île-de-France

Transport prices in Île-de-France will be simplified. From now on, there will only be two tickets: €2.50 for the metro, RER or train, and €2 for the bus or tram, whatever the route. For comparison, the metro or RER ticket previously cost between €2.15 and €5 depending on the distance.

The Navigo Liberté+ pass will allow you to travel anywhere in Île-de-France with prices of €1.99 for the metro, train and RER and €1.60 for the bus and tram. Finally, the Navigo pass, which allows unlimited travel anywhere in Île-de-France, will increase by a few euros, from €86.40 to €88.80 per month.

• Crit’Air 3 vehicles banned in ZFEs

Vehicles bearing the Crit'Air 3 sticker will no longer be able to circulate in the low-emission zones (ZFE) of several large cities: Paris, Lyon, Montpellier and Grenoble. This mainly concerns Diesel vehicles registered before 2011 and petrol vehicles registered before 2006.

Please note, however, that the rules vary depending on the city. In Lyon and Montpellier, the traffic ban will be applied every day, 24 hours a day. In Grenoble, it will be limited to weekdays, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., while in Greater Paris, it will extend to days weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• SNCF no longer accepts paper holiday vouchers

SNCF will no longer accept holiday vouchers in paper format, but will continue to accept their digital version. According to SNCF, only 2% of purchases are paid for with holiday vouchers, and their use in paper version is in sharp decline, justifying this decision.

There is still an option to use your holiday vouchers with the SNCF, but it is not free. In fact, it is possible to convert them via the website of the National Agency for Holiday Checks (ANCV). They must then be sent by post, by registered letter. Allow €10 processing fee, plus postage costs.

• At rvaluation of retirement pensions

Retirement pensions will increase by 2.2%, in line with inflation. Such an increase would not have taken place without the motion of censure voted against the government on December 4. Indeed, the initial bill provided for an increase limited to half of inflation, with the aim of saving 3 billion euros.

• Changes for RSA recipients

RSA beneficiaries will have to carry out between 15 and 20 hours of activities per week. This can take the form of internships, training or administrative procedures. Volunteer work is not counted.

This reform, provided for by law for full employment, was tested in 18 departments in 2023, then in 29 additional departments in 2024. During the experiment, this measure was not binding, but from 2025, the no -compliance with activity hours could result in a temporary suspension of RSA payment.

• The health record gets a new look

A new health record will be deployed, with pages dedicated to the prevention of screen use to protect the mental health of young people. You will also find advice on children's sleep and two pages dedicated to education without violence, whether physical or psychological. All these new features result from the recommendations of the High Council for Public Health (HCSP).

• A significant drop in the PEL rate

PELs opened from January 1, 2025 will be paid 1.75%, compared to 2.25% for plans subscribed in 2024. This rate is thus devalued for the first time since August 2016, when it fell from 1.50 % to 1%. It was increased to 2% on January 1, 2023, then to 2.25% the following year.

Le PEL « will remain less attractive than other regulated savings products”, explains to AFP, Philippe Crevel, director of the Cercle de l'Épargne think tank, who cites in particular the Livret A and the Sustainable and Solidarity Development Booklet, both paid at 3%, or the Popular Savings Booklet (4%).

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