Weekend train cancellations scheduled on Paris-Limoges and Bordeaux-Marseille routes by SNCF due to peak heat hours
SNCF Cancels Train Services During Hottest Hours Due to Lack of Air Conditioning
Starting from August 9, the French National Railway Company (SNCF) has decided to cancel certain train services during the hottest hours of the day, due to a lack of air conditioning in the Corail trains running on affected lines.
The Corail trains, approximately fifty years old, have not been renewed by the state, leaving SNCF with an old fleet that struggles to withstand high temperatures. This issue was noted by passengers encountered on Friday morning and did not seem to shock them.
Arnaud Aymé, a transport specialist, suggests that SNCF's decision to avoid operating un-airconditioned trains during the hottest hours of the day is an exceptional precaution. He notes that SNCF usually prioritizes transporting as many passengers as possible, even if it means compromising on the robustness of the rolling stock.
The state is responsible for these lines, and it has taken a long time to renew the Corail fleet. The replacement of the Corail fleet with new trainsets equipped with modern amenities like air conditioning is expected to occur gradually over the coming years. However, specific timelines for the full replacement of Corail trains with new air-conditioned trainsets by SNCF have not been precisely detailed in the recent publicly available sources.
Trains on the lines between Paris-Limoges, Toulouse, Bordeaux-Marseille, and Paris-Clermont-Ferrand will be affected by these cancellations. Passengers are advised to travel earlier or later in the day to avoid the inconvenience.
SNCF Voyageurs' press service has confirmed that the functioning of the air conditioners in Corail cars has been checked. However, it appears that the air conditioners in these trains are not robust enough to handle temperatures above 35 degrees.
Arnaud Aymé also points out that the lack of air conditioning can be problematic, even for people with health issues. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring passenger comfort and safety, especially during extreme heat conditions.
In light of these circumstances, SNCF's decision to cancel trains during the middle of the day is a response to the lack of robustness in the Corail cars and an attempt to improve the overall passenger experience and safety.
The sports industry and finance sectors could be impacted due to the cancellations, as many travelers rely on train services for sports events during the affected hours. The transportation sector, specifically SNCF, is looking towards the future, planning gradual replacements of the Corail fleet with modern trainsets, including those equipped with air conditioning, to tackle similar challenges in extreme weather conditions.
