Since Monday March 28, there have been fewer trains on our Normandy lines. SNCF has reduced its offer, particularly during off-peak hours, by decision of the region. Nineteen fewer trains per day, new timetables. “For the moment it is not known whether the persons concerned have abandoned the train or have transferred to other trains. We don’t have any known numbers. We’ll know that in a few months.“, explains Patrick Morel, member of the economic, social and environmental council of the Normandy region.
Increase the attractiveness of trains
“A train has a cost, it’s true. But at the same time there are two ways of looking at things, either increasing revenues or decreasing expenses. Often, the first reaction is to reduce expenses, whereas I think we should work on these trains during off-peak hours, with a more attractive offer”analyzes Patrick Morel.
“Since 1996 in Paris-Caen, we have lost between 15 and 20 minutes. If we take the example of Cherbourg, it is 300 kilometers from Paris, it is further in travel time than Marseille, which is 800 kilometers away, so we really have a problem with the attractiveness of rail“, continues Patrick Morel.
For its part, to justify the abolition of trains, the SNCF puts forward the economic argument. And the low filling. With the arrival of new trains, it also hopes for better attractiveness and better punctuality.