French regions demand railway plan

Three French regions — Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine — are urging the government to create a "strategic railway plan for the Massif central" to address long-term neglect and the aging of the railway network. They have requested a financial plan extending until 2040 to improve the infrastructure and ensure its sustainability.

Aging infrastructure impacts travel

The consequences of the aging railway network are already affecting travelers, with increased train slowdowns, longer travel times, and the risk of new line closures. These issues threaten the region's cohesion and future, as reduced railway service limits access to employment and complicates commuting for both individuals and businesses.

Railway network spans large area

The railway network in the Massif central covers about a fifth of the surface area of metropolitan France and connects several major regions. While local authorities have invested in rolling stock and regional services, their financial resources are now at their limit, and modernization requires state-level funding and responsibility.

Five priorities for railway plan

The proposed plan includes five priorities: maintaining essential service lines, modernizing key routes, improving frequencies and travel times, enhancing connections with national and European networks, and establishing a multiannual programming. The regions want to move away from sporadic interventions and call for immediate collaboration with SNCF Réseau to develop a comprehensive vision for the future.

Regions seek greater involvement

The regions also want a more active role in the performance contract that governs the relationship between the state and SNCF Réseau until 2033. They argue the current arrangement is too limited and demand a "specific follow-up" involving all three parties. They want to take part in the triennial updates of the contract and influence decisions on funding and infrastructure priorities.

Railway as a productive infrastructure

For regional leaders, the railway is not just a transport system but a productive infrastructure. It enables employees to access jobs, helps companies recruit, and allows residents to reach education and public services. Closing even a minor line can have broader effects, such as reducing road traffic and improving the region's attractiveness, beyond just financial considerations.

Environmental and mobility goals

The regions also highlight the environmental aspect, noting that shifting travel from road to rail depends on a reliable and competitive rail service. A disrupted or slow line loses appeal to travelers. They stress that the Massif central does not seek special treatment but wants its future fully integrated into the national mobility strategy.