Lhe attendance at the ferry set the tone this Wednesday, January 15 at the start of the afternoon, at the Fouras pier. Many people traveled from the continent to go to the island of Aix. Not for tourism, but to protest against the new transport rules, applied since 1is January. This flow of passengers indeed formalized the creation of the association of users of the Aix-Fouras-Aix maritime link, chaired by Alain D'Harcourt. One hundred people filled the room of the crowded family home.
The room of the family home was full on the island of Aix, Wednesday January 15.
Jean-Luc Richard
Since 1is January, the news made so much noise that everyone knew that the operator of maritime transport between Fouras and the island of Aix had changed. In fact, Transdev was dismissed by the Department which preferred to entrust the public service delegation to Keolis. A choice that is obviously very poorly received by users, and first and foremost by islanders.
Fewer and more expensive connections
From the outset, in the room this Wednesday, it was said that the communication around this major change had not been brilliant. It was even the opposite. How can we be surprised when, under the pretext of improved service, we announce fewer Aix-continent connections and for more money?
Without tourists, life will no longer be possible here
“Today, we are gathered because we do not want to be taken hostage,” say the organizers of this meeting. Before adding: “We hope to be heard and we are here to defend all users, permanent residents, secondary residents and also tourists, because the measures announced could limit access to the island and its use. Without tourists, life will no longer be possible here. »
-Only one boat: the catamaran
The grievances don't stop there. The disappearance of one of the two boats is considered catastrophic, because it would make supplying the island uncertain, according to these users. This would also create congestion in the summer. In addition to the price increases which displease everyone, the Aix residents present point the finger at the Department, at the origin of all these changes, in its commitment to negotiate. “It comes far too late,” say the main stakeholders, stunned not to have been consulted. “We will not obtain satisfaction on all points,” declared the discontented, “but we will fight as best we can. »
In any case, they did the essential thing immediately: voting on the statutes adopted unanimously and setting the cost of the membership fee at 5 euros (1). But, above all, they mobilized. “This is an essential step to weigh in with the authorities,” as several people recalled. And the members of the brand new association which will act as a check and act as an advocate for users have warned, kindly but firmly: “We fully intend to be present in the negotiations. »
An approach which complements the petition launched on January 5.
(1) Donations remain possible for the most generous. Head office of the association at the town hall of the island of Aix: 05 46 84 66 09.
