Only half of all high-speed French train services will operate this weekend, potentially causing chaos for families returning from half-term holidays.
A strike by 70% to 90% of unionised ticket inspectors, which started yesterday and will continue till Sunday, means that around half of overnight train services have also been hit.
International train routes to Spain, Italy and Switzerland could also be affected, though local TER services are expected to run as normal.
French rail operator SNCF said it will prioritise running trains from winter break destinations to minimise the impact on families.
CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou said all trains to and from the Alps will operate over the weekend, however, travellers are urged to check their journey information on the SNCF Connect website or app.
The UK Foreign Office said: “Between 8pm Thursday 15 February and 8am Monday 19 February, strike action by onboard train managers will severely disrupt national and regional rail services, with many services cancelled.
“Check your operator’s advice before travelling, including where you are taking connecting trains.”
Eurostar is not affected by the dispute, but since many people travelling on its trains will connect to local rail services in France it is giving customers due to travel on Friday, Saturday or Sunday the option to amend their travel for free.
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A strike by 70% to 90% of unionised ticket inspectors, which started yesterday and will continue till Sunday, means that around half of overnight train services have also been hit.
International train routes to Spain, Italy and Switzerland could also be affected, though local TER services are expected to run as normal.
French rail operator SNCF said it will prioritise running trains from winter break destinations to minimise the impact on families.
CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou said all trains to and from the Alps will operate over the weekend, however, travellers are urged to check their journey information on the SNCF Connect website or app.
The UK Foreign Office said: “Between 8pm Thursday 15 February and 8am Monday 19 February, strike action by onboard train managers will severely disrupt national and regional rail services, with many services cancelled.
“Check your operator’s advice before travelling, including where you are taking connecting trains.”
Eurostar is not affected by the dispute, but since many people travelling on its trains will connect to local rail services in France it is giving customers due to travel on Friday, Saturday or Sunday the option to amend their travel for free.
The post Families warned French rail strike could hit half-term travel plans appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...
