The lack of train and bus drivers has resulted in long waiting times everywhere in Île-de-France, which greatly annoys many travelers.
For Arnaud Bertrand, president of the Plus de trains user association, it is essential to improve transport conditions before considering increasing the price of the Navigo pass.
How do you explain the fed up of users in this back to school?
ARNAUD BERTRAND.
It was complicated this summer, but we thought it was because of the holidays.
In summer, there is often work, there are a few fewer buses.
And at the start of the school year, we realize that it is still just as complicated, especially on the bus networks.
It's really the big downside.
Arnaud Bertrand is president of the user association Plus de trains.
LP/Olivier Arandel
What are the most critical situations?
We can mention the bus network of Argenteuil (Val-d'Oise), that of Saclay (Essonne), that of the RATP.
Very often, you are at your stop and you see that you have to wait forty minutes until the next bus.
It's also people who can wait in the hundreds at peak times and not manage to get on the buses.
People don't understand.
In the suburbs, we often take several modes of public transport.
If the frequency is no longer respected, it lengthens your journey times enormously.
There is no better way to advertise the bike.
The only problem is that not everyone can ride a bike.
And if not, it encourages you to keep your car.
Read alsoShortage of staff, services eliminated: bus and RER users can no longer take it
Valérie Pécresse is considering an increase in the Navigo pass.
What's your reaction ?
Already, we've had a big financial problem for two years, so it's good that the subject is finally coming to the table.
Almost all user associations agree that there is no taboo on the price of the Navigo pass.
But now is not the time.
There is a big concern which is that the offer is deteriorating.
We can't tell travelers: “It's less good but it will be more expensive”.
It is not audible.
The sine qua non condition for any rate increase is to have a binding and precise plan that says when we will emerge from this disaster.
It is also to misunderstand how transport works.
They will increase the prices, but as it circulates badly, they will have fewer people.
They will sell 5% more for something where there are 5% fewer people.
It's a vicious circle.
We have to manage to resolve what is not working and then we can have a discussion on how we finance public transport.
We must not put the problem upside down like an accountant.
Should the state get more involved?
I think that the Île-de-France region is rich enough to solve its transport problems.
It seems more relevant to me to help territories that are much less connected and rich.
On the other hand, that there is a need to pass laws that allow the Île-de-France region to get out of it, that is completely normal.
