Marseille-Toulon-Nice line: we tested the first TER resulting from opening up to rail competition in the PACA region

“The TER train n ° 17467 enters the station. Therefore, “ It is 6:40 am this Sunday morning, when the very first train stamped Transdev arrives at Quai in Toulon. Moreover, Part of Marseille at 5:57 am, she is expected in Nice at 8:38 am. Meanwhile, Despite the morning schedule, there are many passengers in the brand new row. Furthermore, “The South and Transdev region welcome you”launches a jerky voice to travelers who join the train.

Among them, Maxandre, accustomed to the journey between Toulon and Nice. Similarly. Meanwhile, “I hope there will be less delay than before not to miss a correspondence to Monaco”smiles the young man. Furthermore, Less delay is the company’s commitment. Nevertheless, But, on time or not, “A new train is always cool, because the old coral trains …”still launches marseille-toulon-nice line: we tested first new the traveler.

marseille-toulon-nice line: we tested first

Small effect to the toilet – Marseille-toulon-nice line: we tested first

“They were so old that. Therefore, I called them the Harry Potter trains!”adds Jade, also mounted in Toulon, antibes destination. Moreover, Dance teacher, she borrows this TER at least once a week. She especially delights that there are more places: “It is a very frequented line. sometimes it is difficult to find to sit.” While the passengers this Sunday morning were able to take their ease. the young woman wonders if it will be the same on a Friday evening at 6 p.m.

On board, the marseille-toulon-nice line: we tested first new novelty makes its small effect in any case. On passenger shelves, coffee cups, served by machine, show that they have identified this service well. Just marseille-toulon-nice line: we tested first like the presence of wifi, accessible just by accepting the conditions of use. And then as the day promises to be scorching, most are delighted with the air conditioning of the trains.

Except maybe Sylvie, on the way to attend the Ironman in Nice … fridge. Still. for this Marseillaise who, not feeling safe, had given up taking TER, the brand new train is a pleasant surprise. No doubt more when she sees security agents pass. “It’s not just today, confides a smiling controller: There will be two marseille-toulon-nice line: we tested first new on each train, every day. “

Up to the toilet. from which Hicham comes out. amazed by the space accessible to people with reduced mobility, the travelers of this first Transdev train seem conquered.

marseille-toulon-nice line: we tested first

Have the distance

However. underlines Philippe, mounted in Carnoules station, “You have to see in the long term”. Beyond this first day of exploitation, the new player will indeed have to keep the distance. “That everything is perfect when it starts, it’s normal”estimates this user. Admittedly. satisfied to see more trains circulate on the Marseille – Toulon – Nice line. he notices: “When there are people on the tracks, an electrical problem or a forgotten background … SNCF or Transdev, it will not change much!”

The railway unions (CGT. CFDT. FO, Sud Rail), they ensure it: ultimately, the opening to competition and the privatization of the public rail service will be deleterious for their working conditions, but also for users. As proof. underlines an intersyndical press marseille-toulon-nice line: we tested first release, “From England to Belgium via Germany and Switzerland, each of these countries reverses […] Because successive failures allowed them to open their eyes to this model which does not make sense for the. general interest “.

“Me, everything that interests me, takes up Philippe, is that my journeys take place in good conditions. “ Bet won for this time. he admits when you get off the train at Arcs station. while the train speakers broadcast: “The South and Transdev region thank you for traveling on this zou train!”