For years, the issue of climate change remains crucialand rail transport appears to be a key element for reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the transport of goods. According to the CGT Cheminot Limoges “despite the recommendations of the citizens’ climate convention aimed at transferring part of road transport to rail and river transport, no significant policy in favor of rail freight has been put in place by recent governments”.
The lines lack funding
The CGT Cheminot affirms that « service lines end of the territory severely lacking in funding, and no aid is granted to companies wishing to use rail freight. Even public companies like SNCF Réseau do not set an example. So, the revival of rail freight is not a priority ».
SNCF Freight forced to hand over its equipment
At the European level, the situation is not much better. Recent decisions have led to a drastic reduction in SAS Fret SNCF’s markets, without other operators taking over. The French government supports this policy, forcing Fret SNCF to sell its equipmentits tools and its markets.
For the union « There is an urgent need to review the freight transport strategy. This requires the mobilization of everyone: citizens, current and potential shippers, politicians, NGOs, and associations.”
Real potential in Haute-Vienne
In Haute-Vienneit exists potential for rail freight. In the past, Limoges station played a central role in the sorting and shipping of goods. Currently, the only rail freight in Limousin concerns the transport of ballast for SNCF Réseau, often replaced by trucks, as recently for the construction site between Brive and Objat.
