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2h ago

French Aid Cut Threatens Paris–Berlin and Paris–Vienna Night Trains

A users' group says the state will halt startup aid covering losses, jeopardizing the relaunched sleepers.

Des passagers sortent du train de nuit en provenance de Berlin, à la gare de l'Est à Paris, le 12 décembre 2023.
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Overview

  • The collective Oui au train de nuit warns the services could end as soon as January 1 if the subsidy is withdrawn.
  • The support was a short-term, renewable startup subsidy estimated at roughly €5–10 million a year, renewed in 2024 but now reported as set to lapse.
  • SNCF Voyageurs and the transport ministry declined to comment after being contacted about the future of the lines.
  • Service currently operates only three days a week despite earlier promises of daily runs, which the collective argues undermines viability.
  • The group plans a "pyjama party" protest at Paris's Gare de l'Est on Friday, with a parallel action in Berlin, citing 66,000 travelers in 2024 and load factors above 60%.