New Oars, More Seats
- BORDEAUX, France (AP) — Commuters on regional train lines can expect some relief from overcrowding as new trains are added to the network, according to regional officials.
- Renaud Lagrave, vice-president of the region and delegate for transport, acknowledged the difficulties faced by rail users during annual meetings with line committees.
- Despite the challenges, Bertrand Gosselin, regional director of SNCF Travelers, highlighted the surge in train ridership.
New Trains Aim too ease Overcrowding on French Regional Lines
BORDEAUX, France (AP) — Commuters on regional train lines can expect some relief from overcrowding as new trains are added to the network, according to regional officials. The declaration comes as ridership surpasses pre-pandemic levels, creating challenges for passengers and rail operators alike.
Renaud Lagrave, vice-president of the region and delegate for transport, acknowledged the difficulties faced by rail users during annual meetings with line committees. “The subject that hurts is regularity, followed by the overcrowding of the trains,” Lagrave saeid.
Ridership Soars Past Pre-Pandemic Levels
Despite the challenges, Bertrand Gosselin, regional director of SNCF Travelers, highlighted the surge in train ridership. Thanks to collaborative efforts between the region and the railway company, attendance has reached unprecedented levels. “Everyone told us that we would never find the level before COVID,” Gosselin said. “However, in 2024, we are at more than 100,000 travelers per day against 65,000 six or seven years ago. And the first quarter of 2025 shows that we will probably do better. It is a real success story.”
“In 2024, we are more than 100,000 travelers per day against 65,000 six or seven years ago”
Bertrand Gosselin, regional director of SNCF Travelers
Capacity Struggles to Keep Pace
The increased ridership has strained capacity, leading to packed trains and standing-room-only journeys. ”The offer had trouble catching up, it’s true,” Gosselin admitted. Though, he assured that the region’s investment in new trains would address the imbalance.
The New Aquitaine region has invested more than 160 million euros in Régiolis and Régiolis 2N trains. The Régiolis trains are bi-modal, operating on both electric and thermal power, and feature a single level. The Régiolis 2N trains are fully electric and offer two levels, increasing seating capacity to 340 out of approximately 500 seats per train.The region will own these trains and lease them back to SNCF, a common practice in other regions.
Positive Trend in Train Punctuality
Gosselin also pointed to improvements in train punctuality, a key performance indicator monitored by the regional authority. “In 2023, we were 89% regularity, that is to say trains which are on time when five minutes late,” Gosselin explained. “In 2024 to 91% and we continue in this positive spiral with 94% in March.”
More Trains Coming Soon
The first of the new trains are slated to enter service in May in the former Poitou-Charentes region, according to SNCF. Deliveries will continue at a rate of two trains per month until September, distributing them across the network.Lagrave added that the six 2N Régiolis trains will be phased into service starting in early 2026. “They will be attributed to the lines that transport the moast travelers, starting with the Bordeaux/Arcachon link with the SERN (Metropolitan RER),” he said.
gosselin noted that additional trains would be deployed to coastal routes during peak travel periods. “From the May bridges until the end of the summer, we will deploy more oars to the coast, where there will obviously be more users to transport,” he said.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Lagrave noted that external factors, such as weather and animals on the tracks, can still disrupt service. “In the rail,” Lagrave said, “time is triple.”
New Trains to Ease Overcrowding on French Regional Lines: Your Questions Answered
Here’s a breakdown of the article,answering key questions about the new trains and their impact on French regional lines.
Why are new trains being added to French regional lines?
New trains are being added to address the growing issue of overcrowding on regional train lines. Ridership has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, creating challenges for passengers and rail operators.
How significant is the increase in train ridership?
Significant Growth: Train ridership has surged.
Pre-Pandemic Comparison: In 2024, there are more than 100,000 travelers per day, compared to 65,000 six or seven years ago.
Future Projections: The first quarter of 2025 suggests further increases.
What challenges does increased ridership present?
Increased ridership has strained the capacity of existing trains,leading to packed conditions. passengers face crowded trains and standing-room-only journeys.
What types of new trains are being introduced?
The New Aquitaine region is investing in two types of trains:
Régiolis Trains: Bi-modal, operating on both electric and thermal power, with a single level.
Régiolis 2N Trains: Fully electric, offering two levels. These trains increase seating capacity to 340 out of approximately 500 seats per train.
how much has been invested in these new trains?
The New Aquitaine region has invested more than 160 million euros in Régiolis and Régiolis 2N trains.
When will the new trains enter service?
The first of the new trains are slated to enter service in May in the former Poitou-Charentes region. Deliveries will continue at a rate of two trains per month until September. The six 2N Régiolis trains will be phased into service starting in early 2026.
Where will the new trains be deployed?
The new trains will be distributed across the network. The 2N Régiolis trains will be assigned to the lines with the highest passenger traffic, starting with the Bordeaux/Arcachon link. Additional trains will be deployed to coastal routes during peak travel periods.
Beyond new trains, what other improvements are being made?
Improvements in train punctuality are also being highlighted.According to the article:
In 2023,89% of trains where on time (within five minutes).
In 2024, punctuality improved to 91%.
In march 2024, punctuality reached 94%.
Who is responsible for these improvements?
The New Aquitaine region is investing in the new trains and is monitoring key performance indicators such as train punctuality.The region will own these trains and lease them back to SNCF,a common practice.
Will the improvements fully solve the existing challenges?
Additional challenges remain, such as external factors (weather, animals on the tracks).