French rail passengers are gearing up for major disruption this week after ticket inspectors confirmed a three-day strike action from Friday 16 February to Sunday 18 February.
SNCF, France’s state-owned rail operator, confirmed services on several lines will be “heavily disrupted” from as early as 8pm Thursday 15 February and until 8am Monday 19 February after unions representing ticket controllers recently reactivated a long-standing pay dispute.
Half of all high-speed TGV trains, including both InOui and Ouigo services, will be cancelled from Friday to Sunday as a result, while half of all Intercités trains will also be cancelled, including overnight services.
The disruption will also have a ripple effect across Europe, with International TGV routes to Spain, Italy and Switzerland likely to be affected.
Eurostar has already cancelled services from Paris to both Brussels and Amsterdam during the strike period.
SNCF Voyageurs in a statement on Wednesday said it is “aware of the inconvenience caused” and therefore “fully mobilised” to assist travellers.
Unlike local regional TER services, the rail operator said TGV services “cannot travel without a crew chief” because “their role is not limited to just checking tickets, they are the guarantors of the smooth running of the trip” and ensure safety and security.
Travellers who have reserved tickets during the strike period will receive information by email or SMS on whether their service has been cancelled, according to SNCF. Those travellers faced with disruption will be able exchange or refund tickets and will also be granted a 50 per cent discount on future TGV or Intercités bookings made with 30 days, according to the rail operator.