The Trains of Anger arrive in Paris
This page is translated from the original post "Les Trains de la Colère arrivent à Paris" in French.
- 15/04/2025 13:54
“Trains of Rage” is a peaceful initiative launched by users fighting to save their threatened train lines.
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, users of two neglected railway lines are converging towards Paris aboard the “Trains of Rage.” These symbolic journeys, organized by user collectives and local associations, aim to raise awareness about the deterioration of the Paris-Clermont-Ferrand and Paris-Orléans-Limoges-Toulouse lines, the now-famous POLT.
The participants, departing from Cahors and Clermont-Ferrand, made a stop in Limoges before continuing their journey to the capital. On board, engaged citizens, retirees, and local officials oppose the repeated delays, frequent breakdowns, and aging infrastructure. These lines, essential for opening up rural areas, illustrate the increasing difficulties faced by public railway services. Over forty years, the travel time between Clermont-Ferrand and Paris has increased by 40 minutes. In 2024, one in five trains was delayed more than five minutes, an unacceptable situation for users.
The POLT of the Forgotten Reaches
User groups demand investments to modernize equipment and improve the reliability of services. These demands also emphasize the need to reduce travel times to preserve the economic and social attractiveness of these regions. This fight for better rail service takes place in a context where allocated budgets to certain secondary lines remain insufficient given the scale of the needs.
Meanwhile, a new mobilization is scheduled for Thursday, April 20, under the name “rail workers’ day of anger.” Led by SNCF unions, this action aims to protest against pension reform and to denounce the working conditions of railway workers. Although SNCF assures that TGV and international train traffic will remain nearly normal, disruptions are expected on other lines.
It is particularly appalling that this day of action is planned just two days after the “Trains of Rage,” a movement initiated by users who, without disrupting travelers’ daily lives, simply demand the basic right to mobility. Seeing railway workers constantly demanding more privileges, in stark contrast to these users fighting with dignity, can only deepen the discomfort.
ALSO READ: When is the train faster than the plane?
We also suggestthese articles:
Also read
