Three municipalities in Corrèze are testing “on-demand” stops throughout 2023.
A train that is taken like a bus. In small towns in Corrèze, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is carrying out an original experiment this year. Since the end of December, passengers wishing to board their TER must wave on the platform for the train to stop. Conversely, to descend, they must report to the controller. These stations, two of which have a single track, are located in Meymac, Pérols-sur-Vézère and Montaignac-sur-Doustre. Meymac being the largest municipality, with nearly 3000 inhabitants. “This is a good thing», rejoices Alain Fonfrede, the mayor of Pérols-sur-Vézère, “the station had been closed for 25 years“. The reopening of the counter is not planned in this village of 200 souls, but the quays have been fitted out and improvements are already planned.
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With only one or two travelers a day, these “stops on demand» appear as a solution to the closure of these rural stations, which are nevertheless useful for the inhabitants and which contribute to the dynamism of the villages. The mayor of Meymac, Philippe Brugère, emphasizes that this idea does not require “particular means» from the SNCF, the trains having to slow down when approaching these stations. The stops are therefore maintained and the trains are gaining speed. The experiment could even extend to other municipalities. “I’m sure it will be a success and I hope it will spread throughout France.he enthuses.
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