They denounce “a low-cost model that is running out of steam”. The CGT, Unsa and SUD-Rail are sounding the alarm by denouncing the malfunctions of the TGV Ouigo, the SNCF's low-cost offer. “Over the last three months, the Ouigo TGVs have accumulated more incidents, reductions and cancellations of trains than over the last two years, on all routes combined,” writes the inter-union in a press release.
The unions describe the trains as “wrecks” suffering from “equipment failures, delays, cockroaches and bedbugs”, as well as toilets that are too often blocked and doors that regularly break down. The cause, according to them, is the deterioration of the Ouigo trains linked to the “aging” of the fleet and the “overuse” of the trains. “The climax of this situation was reached at the end of November with 7 Ouigo trains simultaneously unavailable,” they illustrate.
The CGT, in a separate press release, takes as an example the 765 train whose axles are “in poor condition”. Last November, “a suspicious noise” was reported at this level by an agent. “The concern will prove to be justified. In fact, the poor condition of the axles noted by the technical team that evening was such that they had to remove the bolts by hand instead of the machine provided for this purpose.
For the union, train movement was then “dangerous” and the risk of derailment “high”. The worn train was finally withdrawn from circulation the next day “at the last minute at departure time”.
The railway workers are demanding in particular the correct repair of the rolling stock, the removal of the trains at the end of the day in the event of certain material malfunctions or even an exceptional bonus for the staff working in the Ouigos. A rally is planned for Friday morning in front of the Gare de Lyon in Paris. The unions are brandishing the threat of a strike notice for targeted periods, starting this weekend.
To our colleagues at BFMTV, the management of SNCF Voyageurs assures that “the safety of travelers and agents is an absolute priority at Ouigo as for all SNCF Voyageurs trains. No risk has ever been or is taken in this matter. The Ouigo trains are benefiting from a major renewal (the most significant since its launch in 2013), which is starting to be deployed at the start of the year, with a fleet that is both larger and more modern. “.
VideoSNCF recycles old TGVs into “Ouigo”
By 2027, Ouigo TGVs will represent 25% of high-speed traffic in France, and will approach 30% within ten years. The number of trains will increase from 38 to 50, to capture more volume. The SNCF is also studying the opportunity to launch new lines.
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