Future of France's Night Trains in Doubt Amid Government Dissatisfaction
The future of France's night train service hangs in the balance. The French government has expressed dissatisfaction with SNCF and its partners for failing to deliver on promises to provide daily services. Meanwhile, passengers face ticketing issues and the government has hinted at withdrawing subsidies, potentially leading to the service's demise.
Oui au train de nuit has reported that tickets for overnight trains are unavailable on the SNCF Connect platform, causing inconvenience for passengers. Despite these challenges, the night train service remains popular, with an average occupancy rate of 70 percent and peaks of 90 percent during the summer.
The Paris-Berlin/Vienna night train, launched in December 2023, has been a notable addition to the service. However, its future is uncertain. The French transport ministry has informed SNCF that state-ordered services will be discontinued from mid-December 2026, due to the cessation of French government funding. Without renewed subsidies, the service could cease to exist.
A petition has been launched to urge the French government to continue supporting the night train service. The service's popularity and the potential loss of a vital connection between Paris and Berlin/Vienna have sparked concern among passengers and advocates. The French government's decision on the future of the night train service is eagerly awaited.
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