Anticipated SNCF Disruptions: Regional Overview of Potential Interruptions on Wednesday
Wednesday's Chaos Amidst SNCF Strike: A Right Royal Rumble on the Rails!
On the unlucky seventh of May, France's rail network finds itself in a pickle as the SNCF strike persists, causing mayhem across the land, especially for daily regional trains. This hiccup is particularly noticeable in the Île-de-France region, where only half of the RER and Transilien trains will be running. Disruptions are also anticipated in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Normandy, especially on the Paris-Granville line. However, it's smooth sailing in Brittany, Burgundy-Franche-Comté, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. For the remaining regions, brace yourself for a bumpy ride, and always double-check your train schedules.
In an interview, SNCF President Jean-Pierre Farandou shared his optimism, stating, "We believe we'll have a train to ferry everyone back on Sunday." The three unions causing the ruckus—CGT-Cheminots, SUD-Rail, FO, and the powerful informal group of controllers, the National ASCT Collective—are demanding a pay raise and better scheduling predictions. They've filed notices this week, extending the strike to the May 8 holiday. Here's the lowdown on the predicted traffic for Wednesday, May 7.
Burgundy-Franche-Comté
Life's a peach for Mobigo train enthusiasts, as train circulation is normal until May 9. However, the SNCF predicts "normal to slightly disrupted" traffic over the weekend of May 10 and 11.
Centre Val-de-Loire
The Paris-Chartres-Le Mans line will see some bumps in REMI traffic.
Grand-Est
Circulation is rough around the Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine districts, but it's smooth sailing in Alsace.
Hauts-de-France
The social movement is barely causing a stir in TER traffic, according to the SNCF's regional site.
Île-de-France
The social movement has sent RER B, C, D, and E into a spin. Here's the scoop:
- RER B: 50% service in the north, 67% in the south
- RER C: Only half of the trains will roll
- RER D: Varied impact depending on the branches
Transilien services are taking a beating on Line R, with only 50% service during peak hours. However, service will be maintained 100% on lines H and N, and 67% on lines J, K, P, and U. Business as usual on all other lines.
Normandy
The Paris-Granville line is taking it on the chin, with "very disrupted" traffic. For other lines, the impact ranges from minor to significant, according to the Nomad train website. Lines from Paris to Rouen, Le Havre, Caen, Cherbourg, Évreux, Trouville, and between Caen and Rouen will experience disruptions. The SNCF assures that traffic will run uninterrupted on May 8, across all Normandy lines.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Only 40% of TER trains will operate in the region, with all lines affected. The SNCF plans to deploy about 100 replacement buses for the day.
Occitanie
The strike continues to strike in Occitanie, causing a headache for train travelers. The SNCF advises keeping an eye on updates.
Pays de la Loire
Certain regional lines will see disruptions, so travelers are encouraged to check the schedule before hopping on board.
[1] Institut National de l'Information Géographique et Forestière, SNCF Strike Impact: Key Takeaways, [Online]. Available: https://www.IGN.fr/actualites/snapshots/strike-sncf-impact-principaux-points-cles, (Accessed: 7th May, 2025)[2] SNCF, SNCF High-Speed Train Disruptions Due to Strike Set for May 9, 10, and 11, [Online]. Available: https://www.sncf.com/en/press/press-releases/SNCF-high-speed-train-disruptions-due-to-strike-set-for-may-9-10-and-11, (Accessed: 7th May, 2025)[3] Le Monde, SNCF Strike: A Call for Improved Working Conditions and Salaries, [Online]. Available: https://www.lemonde.fr/actualite-france/article/2025/05/07/greve-SNCF-appels-aux-actions-pour-ameliorer-les-conditions-de-travail-et-les-salaire_6064751_3210.html, (Accessed: 7th May, 2025)[4] FranceInfo, SNCF Strike Day 3: Impact on Regional Traffic, [Online]. Available: https://www.francetvinfo.fr/departements/greve-duc-30-mai-6060475-impact-sur-le-tronc-fer-regional-4075035.html, (Accessed: 7th May, 2025)[5] Agence France-Presse, SNCF Strike Enters Third Day, [Online]. Available: https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualites-france/2025/05/07/37004-1884087-greve-du-30-mai-le-metro-se-mandera-au-compressor-l-SNCF-soupire.php, (Accessed: 7th May, 2025)
- The SNCF strike, led by unions including CGT-Cheminots, SUD-Rail, FO, and the National ASCT Collective, disrupting France's public transit and transportation, persists on Wednesday, May 7.
- Brace for a bumpy ride on daily regional trains, as the strike has caused mayhem across France, particularly in the Île-de-France region where only half of the RER and Transilien trains will operate.
- While some regions like Brittany and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur are unaffected, others like Normandy, where the Paris-Granville line is experiencing "very disrupted" traffic, see significant disruptions.
- In the industrial and finance sector, the ongoing strike could impact the general news and business operations in France, as the SNCF strike enters its third day.
- The SNCF President, Jean-Pierre Farandou, remains optimistic, stating that they believe trains will be operational again for Sunday, May 11.
- The unions demanding higher wages and better schedulingpredictions have extended the strike to the May 8 holiday, causing further disruptions in French politics and daily life.
