This is one of the big black points of the SNCF. The TER line between Marseille, Toulon and Nice, and mainly its last section between Cannes and Nice, has become a nightmare for its users, mainly those who have to use it daily to go to work.
Overcrowded trains, especially during the summer holidays, delayed, cancelled… Travelers (and the PACA region) have been denouncing for several years the poor quality of the service offered by the SNCF on this busy route that represents 10% of the traffic regional. railway offer.
Suffice it to say that the change of operator of this line within the framework of the opening to competition of regional lines was welcomed with great hope. Let us remember that in 2021, Transdev was elected by the Regional Council after its victory in a tender.
This is the first regional tender won by a private competitor of the SNCF, which until then had a monopoly. Transdev trains will begin running from June 29, 2025.
Therefore, expectations are high. This Thursday Transdev presented the new train manufactured by Alstom that will circulate on this line. 16 trains were ordered from the manufacturer.
These 8-car Omneo trains “will offer 352 seats and 49 folding seats for travelers making a short journey (i.e. 401 seats in total). This large capacity is obtained thanks to the alternation of single- and double-decker cars.” explains Alstom.
“Added to this is the modularity that will allow the circulation of one or two trains coupled together, depending on the expected influx. They will be double-level and will be able to transport up to 418 passengers.”
Double transport offer
They will be equipped with electrical and USB sockets, “offering high levels of comfort and services on board such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi portal and catering area. To reinforce security on board, there will be cameras on each train” adds Transdev.
“Today we present a proven and comfortable train, capable of traveling at 200 km/h, at the service of the mobility of all travelers,” says Olivier Delecroix, vice president of marketing and sales at Alstom France.
Above all, and this is the main expectation, Transdev promises to double the number of daily round trips on the line.
“Transdev will double the transport offer, with 15 round-trip connections per day and hourly schedules in a wider range of schedules. The challenge is to provide greater quality of service, reliability, regularity and punctuality (97.5% of trains punctual)”, we can read in a press release.
Result of the 2011 merger of Transdev and Veolia Transport, Transdev is a 66% subsidiary of the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations.
Remember that other regional tenders are underway: in the Pays de la Loire, in the Grand Est… where the SNCF risks losing its monopoly once again.
Source: BFM TV
