The strike was time-consuming for Ile-de-France residents. According to a study by the consumer association UFC-Que Choisir, they would have spent an average of 69 more minutes each day in transport due to the movement against pension reform.
Read also: SNCF strike: the headache of reimbursing Passes and tickets
For many Ile-de-France residents, the strike was therefore an opportunity to change their travel habits: 50% of those questioned said they had used an alternative means of transport, including walking at 39%. As for SNCF users, the alternative solutions - car, carpooling, bus - made it possible not to give up their journeys, as 71% of those questioned say.
French people living outside the Paris region were also affected in their daily trips, but to a lesser extent. subscribers to public transport outside Île-de-France lost an additional 42 minutes in public transport on average. For them, the car was the preferred alternative mode of transportation (42%). All users combined, the bicycle or the scooter were then requested (12%), followed by taxis and VTC (9%).
Not always satisfied with refunds
After a trip cancellation, there remains the question of reimbursement. SNCF users have generally satisfied with the procedures put in place: thus, 18% of SNCF users declare that they have had no procedure to perform in order to be reimbursed. Among those who had to take steps, 64% positively judge the duration of the request and the obtaining of compensation.
On the other hand, 33% of claimants report difficulties in obtaining compensation. These SNCF users regret, for example, that the sums are transferred in the form of vouchers.
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The UFC-Que Choisir survey did not assess the satisfaction of public transport users with regard to reimbursement procedures. The compensation site for Navigo pass holders was opened in late January. Users can formulate their reimbursement request there for the month of December until March 12, 2020.
Survey carried out from 15 to 30 January 2020 among 2,351 people affected by the strike.
