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Train passengers in France will face major disruption as a general strike has been called nationwide, throwing travel into turmoil.
Hundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to march on the streets of French cities on Thursday, 5 November, as trade unions call a nationwide general strike.
France’s intelligence service expects 500,000 to 700,000 people to join demonstrations outside Paris, Reuters reports, with major rallies also expected in Lyon and Marseille.
Unions also warned of likely disruptions to rail and public transport services.
France’s state-owned national railway operator, SNCF, said that it expects disruptions across its network on Thursday.
High-speed TGV services will face minor disruptions, while regional services such as Intercités and TER, as well as Paris’ Île-de-France train and RER services, will face more significant disruptions.
SNCF said that if a passenger’s TGV or Intercités train is cancelled, they will be contacted and can exchange their ticket or get a refund free of charge.
“Before you travel, please check that your train is running,” the train network added.
Several train stations across Paris and the Île-de-France region are closed, but normal service is expected on the metro network at open stations.
The region’s bus and tram network is also expected to run normally, but commuter Transilien trains will be affected.
Eurostar said it expects to run a “near-normal” timetable on Thursday, but asked passengers to keep an eye on its live train information page.
As France’s trains are likely to be disrupted, Eurostar says passengers on connecting journeys should check for travel updates before setting off.
France’s civil aviation authority DGAC told The Independent it has not required airlines to make flight program adjustments for the general strike taking place today.
It added that some local disruptions might occur independently of its operations and asks passengers to contact their airlines.
French tourism outlet Tourmag that it has not requested any flight schedule adjustments from airlines.
The Independent has contacted DGAC for further updates.
The UK government has issued a travel warning over demonstrations in the country since 22 October.
“There is an increased likelihood of demonstrations, political gatherings and marches taking place across France, sometimes at short notice,” the UK’s Foreign Office travel advice page for France states.
“Whilst most demonstrations are peaceful, you should remain aware of your surroundings. Stay away from areas with large crowds or a significant police presence, and follow the advice of police and local authorities.
“Demonstrations may disrupt local transport services, and authorities may impose public safety measures, including partial and localised curfews in some areas. Monitor local media for the latest information about measures in your area.”
The strike follows three consecutive weekends of unrest across France, including demonstrations against school conditions and the high cost of living.
Protests in October escalated into riots and looting, leaving shops damaged, public property defaced, and some buildings burned down.
Read more: French unions unite for nationwide strikes, piling more pressure on Macron’s government
