The cloth is burning between the SNCF and Hauts-de-France. The apple of contention? “
For several months, the Hauts-de-France region has been complaining on a daily basis of numerous dysfunctions encountered by TER network users, particularly dissatisfied with the quality of service, in particular delays and the elimination of recurring trains
[the suppression rate increased by 50 % in the first half of 2021 over two years]
for unavailability of equipment or personnel,
”the first agricultural region in France protested on October 25. The response did not drag on the side of the SNCF, which announced the next day, this Wednesday, October 26, support in terms of personnel and equipment.
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Faced with a mess of dysfunctions, the Hauts-de-France region had therefore issued an ultimatum to the SNCF.
The region was leaving until mid-November to rectify the situation, failing which they threatened to no longer pay the annual endowment of 500 million euros.
"
Contrary to what users think, trains and rails do not belong to the region, the only thing we do is distribute the checks
", annoys Franck Dhersin, vice-president in in charge of mobility for the Hauts-de-France region.
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A threat taken very seriously to the SNCF. Through the voice of Jean-Aimé Mougenot, TER deputy director - SNCF Voyageurs, the group has in fact recognized these dysfunctions and made sure to do its best to resolve them. "
I presented [...] a program to strengthen human and material resources so that our customers can travel more serenely in less loaded trains
", he assured. Concretely, 40 mobile personnel will be assigned by November 8, accompanied "
from this week
" by volunteers. There are also plans to strengthen the maintenance and repair capacity of TER trains at weekends "
from next weekend.
»As well as the reinforcement of the equipment fleet (2 additional locomotives).
When contacted, the regional relations and communication department of SNCF Voyageurs Hauts-de-France mentioned in particular delays in staff training due to the health crisis.
Anger
Whatever happens later, anger rises among users, exasperated by these difficulties.
“
I have been taking over the TER Lille - Don-Sainghin since September and the problems are daily.
Between the moment when I check, at home, that my train is working from the application and my arrival at the station, anything can happen
", notes Valérie, 46 years old, a frequent traveler since 2008."
I am just as annoyed by the region. , they only pass the buck to each other… We don't care…!
All we want are trains that work
”, she adds, forced to take her car to get to work, an additional cost“
of 40 to 50 euros per month
”.
The tone is set…
