SNCF announced Friday evening that it would adapt its train offer from Monday in the face of the drop in attendance linked to the Covid-19 epidemic.

Only 3 to 4 TGVs out of 10 will run on the main axes, and half of Intercity traffic will be provided. 

The SNCF announced Friday evening "new adaptations in the transport offer", and simultaneously train cancellations.

These announcements were inevitable with the restrictive measures linked to the Covid-19 health crisis.

They are binding for many travelers who had booked a trip in the coming days.

This new "transport plan" will come into effect on Monday. 

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70% drop in bookings 

With the limitation of inter-regional travel, SNCF observed a 70% drop in reservations for long-distance journeys in April and May compared to 2019. Thus, only 300,000 people are expected this weekend in the TGV and Intercités. , against a million usually.

On high-speed lines, the offer will therefore be reduced from Monday: with 4 TGV out of 10 on the South-East, Atlantic, East axes, as well as for Ouigo and 3 out of 10 on the North axis.

On the Intercity side, only 50% of normal traffic will be provided.

 Night trains between Paris and Toulouse remain suspended and the return of Paris-Nice, which was to resume on April 16, has been postponed, without a new date announced.

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Additional trains on weekends and during holidays

For these trains with reservations, the company specifies that the offer could be increased on weekends and during school holidays, depending on the route.

But with these cancellations, families must review their organization, especially for the trips planned to take children to their grandparents.

But also for those who have business trips scheduled for the coming days.  

Regarding TER, SNCF works with each region to adapt according to demand.

On average, 80% of trains run on weekdays with around 50% ridership.

On weekends, on the other hand, some trains quickly find themselves full, as was the case for Easter.