Where we improvise train conductors

Summer is almost here, and vacations are coming. On the suburban lines, we go. like every year, launch additional trains. One might believe that an increase in traffic would correspond to an increase in staff numbers. It seems that nothing will happen on the Eastern network.

This company has found, in fact, an economical and ingenious way of providing these new trains with leaders and drivers. In turn, employees of the major stations in Paris will be recruited and responsible for driving the trains.

Whatever the dedication and professional qualities of these employees, let us admit that this system of improvisation does not appear very reassuring. It normally takes six years to be admitted to the train conductor competition. And we are told without batting an eyelid about entrusting the fate of several thousand travelers to employees, who until now have barely dealt with rail traffic except behind a counter, on shipping sheets and accounting registers. .. We also choose, for such an experience, the time of year when the crowds are greatest and train driving is most complicated.

Travelers will not be the only ones to be surprised. The office employees of the stations in question themselves held a meeting and drew the attention of their bosses to the dangers of such a system.

Will the Company at least take their opinion into account? Because, when the accident has occurred, it may be too easy to arrest the conductor...