French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot announced the introduction of electric guns for security agents in the state-owned railway company SNCF and the Paris metro operator RATP. The program is experimental and aims to increase safety for passengers and staff in the face of growing aggression. Modeled on systems operating in Belgium and the United Kingdom, this solution will allow security forces to more effectively subdue aggressive individuals in crisis situations without using firearms.

Experimental arming of services

Agents of SNCF and RATP will be equipped with tasers to more effectively suppress acts of physical violence in public transport.

Gradual implementation of the program

In the first phase, 10% of officers will receive the equipment, and full generalization will occur after assessing the results of the pilot.

New control powers

Parliament passed a law allowing pat-downs (personal searches) by railway guards without prior consent from state administration representatives.

The French government has decided to significantly enhance the competencies and equipment of security services operating in the public transport sector. As announced by Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot, security agents of the national railway carrier SNCF and the Paris public transport operator RATP will receive electric impulse guns. This decision, announced on February 19, 2026, is intended to help manage escalating violence on trains and metro stations. France has been grappling with the issue of so-called insecurity in public transport for years, which has become a significant topic in political debates ahead of upcoming elections, prompting authorities to tighten public order regulations.The implemented program is pilot in nature. In the first phase, starting within the coming weeks, approximately 10% of officers in the railway police will be equipped with the new weapon. Minister Tabarot emphasized that the use of stun guns is a proportional response to threats, allowing to avoid the tragic outcomes associated with traditional firearms. If the experiment proves successful, this equipment will become standard for all transport security units across the country. „The use of electric guns can be an appropriate and proportional response to some acts of violence that our agents face.” — Philippe TabarotParallel to the decision on tasers, the French parliament is processing a broader package of laws aimed at improving security. The National Assembly has already passed in first reading regulations allowing railway agents to conduct personal searches without needing each time the prefect's consent. The new law also envisages broader use of body-worn cameras, aiming to reduce incidents and improve passenger behavior. SNCF is the French state-owned enterprise managing rail transport, one of the largest such entities in Europe, employing its own security force (SUGE).Start of experiment: 10, Target equipment: 100Expansion of Powers for SNCF and RATP Services: : → ; : → ; : →

Mentioned People

  • Philippe Tabarot — French politician, Minister of Transport, who announced the decision to arm security services with tasers.