When he is not driving a train, Wilfried Demaret tells the story of his job on social networks where he is followed by more than 100,000 people. This regular on French lines, based in Brive-la-Gaillarde, has just published a book in which he compiles amusing railway anecdotes.
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Have you ever wondered what the best train seat to book is to travel with complete peace of mind? Wilfried Demaret would advise you to choose a seat in the middle of the car, to experience less movement and avoid travelers going back and forth to the WC. To position yourself in the opposite direction of travel, it will be less brutal in the event of braking. And, if you need an electrical outlet, know that the probability of having one is greater on the window side.
Wilfrid Demaret knows all the railway tips and shares them with pleasure. A train driver based in Brive-la-Gaillarde, he has traveled all the lines in France. From Paris to Lozère, via Alsace. In 25 years at the helm, the enthusiast has accumulated a bunch of stories that he started by telling the social network X (formerly Twitter) where he is known under the nickname BB27000. The railway worker then decided to bring together his anecdotes in a book entitled “More beautiful line!” released by Plon on November 15.
-I popularize technology, I share anecdotes. For example: why we have poor reception of the telephone network on board or why French trains are not as long as American trains…
We also learn that the trains can be early. Yes, you read that correctly. A train can arrive early at an intermediate station, but it does not have the right to leave earlier than the fixed and planned time. Also note that the only valid time is that indicated in the cabin and at the station. If you missed your train, there is no point in trying to claim based on the time indicated on your watch.
Do you also know why sleeper trains are slower? “During the day, on board a Corail train, the average speed is high, between 160 and 200 km. At night, we voluntarily reduce the speed in order to arrive at our destination at acceptable times”explains Wilfried Demaret, who notably drove at night between Paris and Cerbère via Brive-la-Gaillarde.
On a daily basis, the railway worker experiences tragic moments and, fortunately, other funnier ones. He remembers: “Once, I was driving between Narbonne and Perpignan, along the sea. A seagull was very frightened, it released its fish… It was the first time I hit a fish with my train”he smiles.
Like Wilfried, many professionals start telling the behind-the-scenes stories of their profession on social networks or in books. These practices are often encouraged by companies who see a way to go beyond clichés. “People are very interested in what’s behind the curtain… That’s what attracts them”confirms BB27000, today followed by more than 103,000 subscribers.
