The deployment of 1,000 staff members at Gare de Lyon demonstrates the SNCF's commitment to ensuring smooth travel during peak holiday times.
The integration of weather monitoring with train operations reflects a proactive approach to passenger safety amid unpredictable weather conditions.
The classification of road traffic by Bison Futé indicates a coordinated effort to manage holiday travel across multiple transport modes.
With the high volume of travelers expected, it is likely that train services will face increased demand, potentially leading to further operational adjustments by SNCF.
If severe weather persists, additional measures may be implemented to ensure passenger safety, including extended delays or cancellations of services.
Heavy road traffic could lead to longer travel times for those choosing to drive, prompting some travelers to opt for train services instead.
This weekend, approximately 1.3 million travelers are expected to take the train for the All Saints' Day holiday, as announced by Transport Minister François Durovray during a press briefing at Gare de Lyon. The SNCF Voyageurs has implemented a special operational system to manage the surge in passengers, deploying a team of 1,000 employees, including drivers, controllers, signalmen, and maintenance staff, specifically at the Gare de Lyon station. Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, emphasized that two out of three TGVs (high-speed trains) are fully booked, highlighting the importance of ensuring that all scheduled trains depart as planned. He stated, "We cannot afford for a TGV not to leave," as each train can accommodate up to 1,000 passengers.
In response to adverse weather conditions, particularly the Cévennes episodes affecting the southeast of France, the SNCF has activated a crisis response system. This system is designed to prevent passengers from being stranded on trains during severe weather. Both SNCF Réseau and Météo France are working together to determine optimal times for temporarily halting train services, known as a 'stop circulation,' before resuming normal operations once the bad weather has passed.
Travelers should also prepare for heavy traffic on the roads this weekend, as the road forecasting organization Bison Futé has classified Friday as a red day for departures from the Paris region, indicating significant congestion. The rest of France is categorized under orange, suggesting heavy traffic conditions across the country. This combination of busy train stations and roadways underscores the high volume of travel expected during this holiday period.
