French President Emmanuel Macron Promises to Modernize Paris-Clermont Rail Line Following Commuter Outcry.

During a speech at La Sorbonne on April 24, French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his commitment to leading France and Europe towards modernity. This sentiment was echoed by a group of Clermont-Paris train users who seized the opportunity to request a meeting with the President. The collective, comprised of commuters like Louise, who regularly take the train for work, expressed frustration over the unpredictability of travel times on the current line.

The group highlighted that it takes less time to travel to Strasbourg or Lyon, cities farther from Paris than Clermont-Ferrand. Their call for improvement comes as SNCF announced delays in delivering new trains to replace outdated ones, with the first trainsets not expected until 2027. Following a serious incident in January that left passengers stranded overnight on the train, SNCF implemented a 40 million euro emergency plan and stationed a locomotive halfway in Nevers in March. However, the collective believes that these measures do not address the overall issues with the railway line. They are hopeful for a meeting with the President to discuss ways to modernize and improve the Paris-Clermont railway line.