As the SNCF strike initiated by the SUD-Rail and CGT-Cheminots unions enters its third day on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, commuters in the Île-de-France region are bracing for significant disruptions in public transportation. The strike, which focuses on work organization and compensation, is expected to heavily impact RER and Transilien lines, prompting many travelers to reconsider their plans.
According to the SNCF, the disruptions will be felt most acutely on the RER B, where one train out of two is expected to run on the northern part of the line, and two out of three on the southern section. No train changes will be necessary at Gare du Nord, a crucial hub for many commuters. The RER C will also see reduced service, with only one train out of two scheduled to run.
Traffic on the RER D is projected to be particularly challenging, with only one train out of three operating between Creil and Corbeil, one train out of two on the Goussainville to Melun route, and a mere one out of five during peak hours between Corbeil-Essonnes and Malesherbes. Furthermore, there will be no service between Juvisy and Melun via Ris-Orangis. The RER E is expected to operate with one train out of three.
In addition to the RER lines, the Transilien service is also facing severe disruptions. On Line H, there will be one train out of two, while Lines J, K, P, and U will run two out of three trains. Line N will operate with one train out of two, and Line R will see only one train out of two during peak hours between Paris and Montereau, with no service between Melun and Montereau via Héricy. The last train to Montargis will leave Paris at 18:07.
Travelers are being advised to limit their travel plans on Wednesday if possible, with the SNCF urging commuters to consider teleworking instead. The ongoing strike has already caused significant challenges for users, and the situation is expected to worsen as the week progresses.
In a statement, Romain Pitelet from the CGT highlighted the strength of the mobilization, noting that "the mobilization has been extremely strong Monday on the Transilien and in 11 regions out of 13." He added that the participation levels remained consistent into Tuesday, further indicating the strike's impact.
The unions are demanding wage increases and better management of schedules, which they claim are often altered at the last minute. As part of the ongoing efforts, the influential Collectif national ASCT (CNA) has joined the call for mobilization, coinciding with the upcoming May 8 holiday.
While the situation in Île-de-France is dire, other regions are also experiencing disruptions. In Normandy, many lines will be affected, with varying levels of impact depending on the specific route. Similarly, the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region has reported that train traffic remains very disrupted.
Despite the chaos on regional lines, the SNCF has confirmed that TGV inOui and Ouigo services will run normally on Wednesday, May 7, and are expected to maintain that schedule at least until Friday, May 9. This comes as a relief to those relying on high-speed trains for longer journeys.
As commuters navigate the challenges posed by the strike, it is clear that the situation is fluid and subject to change. The SNCF has indicated that a return to normal traffic is anticipated by Thursday, May 8, 2025, but until then, passengers should prepare for continued disruptions.
In summary, Wednesday, May 7, 2025, will be a day of significant travel challenges for those in the Île-de-France region as the SNCF strike continues to unfold. With many lines operating in a degraded mode, commuters are encouraged to stay informed and consider alternative arrangements to avoid the worst of the disruptions.
