Train Journeys - The Aubrac Express If it were to be called a TER then it would be the responsibility of the region(s) and in this case Auvergne, Midi Pyrenees and LanguedocRoussillon and they would have to finance it. Now it has shrunk to a size almost small enough to squeeze through Alice’s keyhole. More to the point, it is as a direct result of reducing costs which equals reducing the number of trains = less availability and journey times, even though stretches of the line in question have been re-laid in recent months. What SNCF cannot grasp is that a reduced offer = reduced income= reducing costs even further until you arrive at almost zero income and the service is closed.
Is this the shortest Intercité express in Europe, surely it cannot get any smaller?
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his one unit class 73 ‘Rhone Alpes’ Diesel railcar forms the Intercité Aubrac Express from Béziers in the South of France as far as Clermont Ferrand.
Albeit in the real world it is small for a TER, it is in effect one of the TET (trains d’equilibre du territoire) financed by the government as a result of an agreement with SNCF.
I think we all know that SNCF talks with a forked tongue as not wanting any competition but quietly taking shares in private rail companies in other countries such as Italy. If any reader can find and photograph a smaller intercité, mail the writer and he will buy him a pint in the bar in his village of Magalas where this famous Intercité does not stop en-route for Clermont Ferrand but does stop at Magalas on the way back to Béziers. Perhaps the only compensation for us the SNCF society readers is that it brings units from various regions Rhone Alpes, Auvergne and even the Pas de Calais Chris Elliott is the author of the Lost Railway Lines of l’Hérault christopher.elliott@club-internet.fr **
A moment if you please.... SPA CARCASSONNE
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lackie was brought in as his owners moved house and did not want to take him with them. A story that is all too common. Quite often in these scenarios the owners try to blame the dog, but Blackie has come with good references. He is house-trained, good with children (not with cats) and obedient. He has wiry fur and a little beard and resembles a jack terrier. He is very friendly and nice to walk and could make a perfect pet for someone who does not have much time to spend educating a dog.
If you can help or would like to assist please contact: SPA Carcassonne dogrescuecarcassonne.co.uk The Herault & Aude Times
The HAT September 2014.indd 10
01/09/2014 04:23:35