Travel warning over train strike

SNCF says that unions' 24-hour "extendable" walkout will cause "significant disruption" across France

TRAIN operator SNCF has warned of “significant disruption” to its services across France tomorrow as four unions stage a 24-hour strike in protest at planned reforms.

The walkout is set to begin at 7pm this evening, and may be extended indefinitely beyond the initial period.

SNCF has urged that anyone who does not have to travel tomorrow should delay their trips to ease pressure on the reduced service.

The train operator has warned that southeast France will be particularly badly hit, with just one TGV in three running. Only one out of two TGVs will operate in the north and east of the country.

In a statement, SNCF said: “Rail traffic will also be disrupted in and around the Paris region with only one in three trains running.”

In the capital, the RER A will function normally, SNCF has said. On the RER B, which connects the Gare du Nord and Charles de Gaulle airport, trains will run every 15 minutes at peak times, and every 30 minutes the rest of the day.

Residents and visitors to Paris are also warned that taxi drivers are also set to strike tomorrow, adding to travel disruption in the city.

As reported, rail unions called the strike last week in protest at proposed reforms to the railways.

Railway reform is set to be discussed in Parliament next week.