​​Demonstration in Paris to save rail freight ‘for the planet and jobs’

A demonstration will be held in Paris today, Tuesday, 28 May, to save rail freight “for the planet and jobs.” The protest is being staged by a platform grouping labour unions, Sud Rail, environmental protection and social justice associations, the Alliance Ecologique et Sociale, and Alternatiba Paris. The demonstration focuses on the impact of the…

French opposition leader calls for privatisation of SNCF

Following another day of disruptive strike action earlier this week over the payment of bonuses during the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer, the leader of one of France’s leading opposition political parties has called for the privatisation of SNCF. This initiative would, according to them, ensure more fair competition. In an interview with…

From sail to rail: groundbreaking transatlantic route in the making

Lahaye Global Logistics and Grain de Sail, both French companies, are collaborating on a new type of intermodal service connecting the Americas to France. The maritime leg of the route is being carried out by Grain de Sail via sailboats, while Lahaye takes care of the land transport via road and rail. The first round…

French rail freight players run rule over 4 billion euro investment plan

A major investment programme totalling 4 billion euros to develop rail freight in France is due to be finalised later this year. Two of France’s leading rail freight executives tell Railfreight.com what they think of this funding package, which runs to 2032 and is seen as a key element in doubling the sector’s modal share…

Closed tunnel on Spain-France route poses problems for rail freight

Rail traffic along the Madrid-Irún line, which connects the Spanish capital to France and is part of the TEN-T Atlantic Corridor, has been halted since 8 May due to a damaged tunnel. The line was supposed to reopen on Monday 20 May, but new information says this will not happen before Saturday 25 May. This…