France is bracing for a day of nationwide protests on Thursday September 18th, in addition to the widespread strike action that is likely to bring severe disruption, especially to transport. Transport to Switzerland won’t be spared.
If you are planning to go to France on the evening of Wednesday (September 17th) or Thursday (September 18th), you may want to re-think your plans.
These are among the major disruptions of Swiss transport toward France:
Rail
French national railway company, SNCF, expects “very severe disruption” to traffic starting tonight.. Only one in two Intercité trains and three in five TER trains will run.
The TGV network, however, is expected to operate almost as usual, with 90 percent of trains running as scheduled.
The Léman Express, on the other hand, which connects Geneva and parts of Vaud with the neighbouring French communities, is likely to be affected, especially on sections operated by the French railway company, rather than the SBB.
Delays and cancellations are expected. As a result, a massive shift of usual Léman Express users – mostly cross.border employees – will switch to cars, creating traffic jams at border posts.
Planes
The French air traffic controllers’ union, SNCTA, had planned to participate in the strike, but ultimately postponed its industrial action, thus avoiding a total blockade in French skies.
However, at Air France, several unions are maintaining a strike notice.
For the time being, Geneva Airport has not released any information regarding the possible impact of the strike on air traffic.
In any case, only flights operated by Air France may be subject to delays or cancellations. Once more details are known, the airport should issue a warning tonight. You will be able to find out updated information here.
Advertisement
Public transport
Some TPG (Geneva public transport company) trams and buses go across the border to France.
However, at this stage, (Wednesday noon), there is no expected impact on France-bound transport, but the situation could change quickly, according to TPG.
You can check for updates here.
READ ALSO: France on alert as 800,000 expected to protest on Thursday
