Complementing the Metro is the RATP's network of RER suburban lines. These lines cross from the fringes of Ile-de-France from one side to the other through underground tunnels in Central Paris. Also operating in conjuction with the French National Railways SNCF and Transilien is a network of outer suburban routes that depart from Paris' grand terminals such as Gare du Nord, Gare de L'est and Gare de Lyon. The latter being the site of a tragic accident involving a runaway EMU in 1988.
Operating on the surface of Paris' chaotic streets is the RATP's very good network of bus routes providing often more direct but slower services to complement the Metro. The buses also provide connections from the Metro termini to many of the suburbs of Greater Paris not served by heavy rail. The majority of the RATP bus fleet is on Renault and the later Irisbus chassis, but more recently an increasing number of non French chassis such as Scania & MAN have appeared.
Paris has also recently found a renewed taste for light rail, and currently has one on-street running and another converted from disused heavy rail line. Currently under construction (see photographs below) is a third line which will involve on street running. The ultimate plan is to have a light rail network that provides a circumferential service paralleling the Boulevarde Peripherique - the demarkation point between the arrondissements of Central Paris and the suburbs.