The SNCF users association of Gard and neighboring departments looks back on the various issues from the start of the year.
The association of SNCF users in Gard and neighboring departments did not really appreciate the transfer of the Agglo bike rental service from the station to Parnasse at the start of the year. “We didn't think it was a great idea to move the station to this location because it's not very central. But we have good news because there will be more parking spaces at the station than bicycle regarding parking, things are progressing in Alès with the Agglo.notes the president of the association Anne-Marie Skora. Users have noticed that the multimodal interchange project is a little dormant in Alès and are hoping for progress in 2025.
Simplifying pricing
The association is also asking the SNCF to simplify pricing, particularly to attract occasional travelers in the Gard. But the biggest issue remains that of the lack of staff on the trains which leads to substitutions by coaches on the Gard routes, whether between Nîmes and Alès or on the right bank of the Rhône: “We have often noticed cuts. Even if the SNCF is recruiting, it takes time to train new agents.” Another concern concerns rolling stock: “The president of the Occitanie region Carole Delga spoke of the suspension of renewal and orders for equipment.”
Users also highlight the delay considered too long to restore traffic on the Cévennes line after the landslide in the Villefort sector: “We are talking about a reopening at the end of April 2025!” The association, which met Jean-Luc Gibelin, regional vice-president responsible for transport, in mid-December, is concerned about the future of the Alès Bessèges line and underlines the impatience of future travelers on the shore line. right of the Rhône between Nîmes and Pont Saint-Esprit with plans for stations in Marguerittes and Remoulins. “There is a real enthusiasm which could increase passenger traffic on this line tenfold.” To be continued…
