SNCF's NEW couchette review
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Date: 2024-01-09
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Comments and reviews: 35
-titteryenot4524
All of Europe-s a night-train/And all the men and women merely passengers/They have their Brexits and their Schengen Areas/And one man in his couchette smells many farts/His trips covering different gauges/At first the teenager/Hungover and puking into his best mate-s arms/And then the whining young man, with rucksack/And bleary morning face/And then the lover, riding off the rails/Into unknown tunnels/And then the husband/Sighing with sternness/And a where-s my passport? /Made to his wife-s eyeball/The next gauge slips into the sidings of serene retirement/And Interrailing at Senior-Person-s entitlement/The Spanish gauge shifts into green and considered Irun/The spectacle of those/With Euros well-saved/Last train of all/That bookends this changing, scentful mystery/Is second-class and near-Bolivian/Sans tea, sans pies, sans haste, sans air spring.
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All of Europe-s a night-train/And all the men and women merely passengers/They have their Brexits and their Schengen Areas/And one man in his couchette smells many farts/His trips covering different gauges/At first the teenager/Hungover and puking into his best mate-s arms/And then the whining young man, with rucksack/And bleary morning face/And then the lover, riding off the rails/Into unknown tunnels/And then the husband/Sighing with sternness/And a where-s my passport? /Made to his wife-s eyeball/The next gauge slips into the sidings of serene retirement/And Interrailing at Senior-Person-s entitlement/The Spanish gauge shifts into green and considered Irun/The spectacle of those/With Euros well-saved/Last train of all/That bookends this changing, scentful mystery/Is second-class and near-Bolivian/Sans tea, sans pies, sans haste, sans air spring.
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train
Brings back memories. That said it was at a time where public service meant something. That refurbishment looks 50 years old and services from the SNCF today are shitty at best - when they aren't on strike - that is why I'm very glad competition is coming. Ready to pay double as long as it isn't SNCF trains. I was talking with a ticket controller the other day (in a train that was 2h30 late): trains used to go to the repair shop each month for checkups, now it is every 6 months or more. That's one point among many others leading to a shit service and it will probably end up causing deaths.
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Brings back memories. That said it was at a time where public service meant something. That refurbishment looks 50 years old and services from the SNCF today are shitty at best - when they aren't on strike - that is why I'm very glad competition is coming. Ready to pay double as long as it isn't SNCF trains. I was talking with a ticket controller the other day (in a train that was 2h30 late): trains used to go to the repair shop each month for checkups, now it is every 6 months or more. That's one point among many others leading to a shit service and it will probably end up causing deaths.
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train
I live in a restored old station on this route and noticed the return of a train/s late at night. Now I know why. There used to be sleeper trains and some freight at night too and a TGV early morning and late evening until it became a 'ligne polt' or regional line, when they introduced the route around Poitiers. It was never busy but, after that, became very quiet. No TGV, no freight, and no sleeper trains. I must admit I like the sleeper trains passing by. Living here is so peaceful that the sound and lights of a train remind you that life still goes on. Occasionally.
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I live in a restored old station on this route and noticed the return of a train/s late at night. Now I know why. There used to be sleeper trains and some freight at night too and a TGV early morning and late evening until it became a 'ligne polt' or regional line, when they introduced the route around Poitiers. It was never busy but, after that, became very quiet. No TGV, no freight, and no sleeper trains. I must admit I like the sleeper trains passing by. Living here is so peaceful that the sound and lights of a train remind you that life still goes on. Occasionally.
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-ohheyitskevinc
It-s a shame they don-t have private rooms (I guess you could buy 6 or 4 tickets -, a dining car, and station lounges like the Caledonian sleeper train in the UK for example. Although that train is fair noisier than this. I do like that you can open the windows on these carriages. Not sure how the women traveling alone option works on this, but it-s nice that they have that option for safety. The price is good though for the distance. I was thinking about the Intercities de nuit from Austerlitz to Nice. I may take the plane - Great review though! Thank you.
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It-s a shame they don-t have private rooms (I guess you could buy 6 or 4 tickets -, a dining car, and station lounges like the Caledonian sleeper train in the UK for example. Although that train is fair noisier than this. I do like that you can open the windows on these carriages. Not sure how the women traveling alone option works on this, but it-s nice that they have that option for safety. The price is good though for the distance. I was thinking about the Intercities de nuit from Austerlitz to Nice. I may take the plane - Great review though! Thank you.
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-GoTroppo69
Love the sentiment, hate the execution. To launch a 21st century service using 1950s thinking seems unviable. Common berths with no room security stopped most of us travelling in european sleepers 30 years ago. Why repeat those mistakes? And no showers? Really?
Gut the coaches and completely redesign the fitout to meet modern expectations and punters will flock back to rail services. But if we continue to provide post-war cattle class quality, punters will vote with their feet and continue to fly.
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Love the sentiment, hate the execution. To launch a 21st century service using 1950s thinking seems unviable. Common berths with no room security stopped most of us travelling in european sleepers 30 years ago. Why repeat those mistakes? And no showers? Really?
Gut the coaches and completely redesign the fitout to meet modern expectations and punters will flock back to rail services. But if we continue to provide post-war cattle class quality, punters will vote with their feet and continue to fly.
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-paulgrougnie7028
la sncf ya 10 ans: cassons nos locos et voitures. la sncf maintenant: ya plus de sous, mais on va mettre. 8 G- dans des locos et des voitures.
je sais pas si ya de l'argent magique, mais leur vision court-termiste, elle l'est.
SNCF 10 years ago: let's throw away our totally usable trains. SNCF now let's buy some new trains for. 8 G-.
Thee may be no magic money (as Macron says, but the short-term vision definitely is
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la sncf ya 10 ans: cassons nos locos et voitures. la sncf maintenant: ya plus de sous, mais on va mettre. 8 G- dans des locos et des voitures.
je sais pas si ya de l'argent magique, mais leur vision court-termiste, elle l'est.
SNCF 10 years ago: let's throw away our totally usable trains. SNCF now let's buy some new trains for. 8 G-.
Thee may be no magic money (as Macron says, but the short-term vision definitely is
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-dazlebluefrogify
sorry i loved travelling in a couchette when younger but now i'm not sure, people have changed for the worse here, already back in the later 90's when i worked on the winter line to briancon we had the Metz to Port Bou stop in valence nearly always coppers looking for rif raf that would of sneaked on in say lyon or dijon to steal anything they could same as the Paris Nice what i want to know is will they be safe
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sorry i loved travelling in a couchette when younger but now i'm not sure, people have changed for the worse here, already back in the later 90's when i worked on the winter line to briancon we had the Metz to Port Bou stop in valence nearly always coppers looking for rif raf that would of sneaked on in say lyon or dijon to steal anything they could same as the Paris Nice what i want to know is will they be safe
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train
One can rightfully rejoice that some long-established patterns of the past are being -rediscovered-, while wishing that a similar revival would one day occur in Canada where the rail passenger service has been decimated in the last 40 years. This includes the once-popular overnight train between Toronto and Montreal (500 km distance. France shows us what it is to have a -National Vision-. 2021/12/30. Ontario, Canada.
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One can rightfully rejoice that some long-established patterns of the past are being -rediscovered-, while wishing that a similar revival would one day occur in Canada where the rail passenger service has been decimated in the last 40 years. This includes the once-popular overnight train between Toronto and Montreal (500 km distance. France shows us what it is to have a -National Vision-. 2021/12/30. Ontario, Canada.
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-richardtalbot8769
nice sleeper but i agree as a solo traveller i want a bit of privacy maybe a 1st class with just 2 bunks - and not even a cup of coffee in the morning. night attract the harden train traveller but the leisure market wants more. how hard would it be at the split stop to have a baker deliver fresh croissants to the train and the attendant to make a bag with juice, croissant and instant coffee.
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nice sleeper but i agree as a solo traveller i want a bit of privacy maybe a 1st class with just 2 bunks - and not even a cup of coffee in the morning. night attract the harden train traveller but the leisure market wants more. how hard would it be at the split stop to have a baker deliver fresh croissants to the train and the attendant to make a bag with juice, croissant and instant coffee.
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-mullerman1104
I have used this train in 2019, before they were refurbished, but I think they didn-t change the leg space or the length of the beds. If you are taller than 1, 85m, then you probably should not book this seat. I am 1, 96m and I had so many cramps when I rode on this train. But it-s a beautiful sight when you wake up and see the lakes right next to you, right as the sun goes up.
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I have used this train in 2019, before they were refurbished, but I think they didn-t change the leg space or the length of the beds. If you are taller than 1, 85m, then you probably should not book this seat. I am 1, 96m and I had so many cramps when I rode on this train. But it-s a beautiful sight when you wake up and see the lakes right next to you, right as the sun goes up.
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train
A lot of people who comment don't understand what these trains are and who uses them. Almost all travelers use these trains to get to their families and then back to work in the Paris region, so the sleeping cars would be way too expensive and would be empty. Rich people don't take these trains. Sleeping cars will only be on international destinations or for the Nice-Paris line.
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A lot of people who comment don't understand what these trains are and who uses them. Almost all travelers use these trains to get to their families and then back to work in the Paris region, so the sleeping cars would be way too expensive and would be empty. Rich people don't take these trains. Sleeping cars will only be on international destinations or for the Nice-Paris line.
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-chrisdcosta480
Great video! I was hoping to do the same thing this December, but the booking sites show the night train only from Paris to Auterive, and requiring you to connect to a bus to get to Lourdes. This despite the SNCF site advertising this as -Fall asleep in Paris and wake up in Lourdes-. Is there something I'm missing? Clearly your train went all the way to Lourdes.
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Great video! I was hoping to do the same thing this December, but the booking sites show the night train only from Paris to Auterive, and requiring you to connect to a bus to get to Lourdes. This despite the SNCF site advertising this as -Fall asleep in Paris and wake up in Lourdes-. Is there something I'm missing? Clearly your train went all the way to Lourdes.
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-moraimon
Providing food is just too costly. In order for SNCF to provide and keep overnight train services sustainably, service level has to be reasonable. Travelers are expected to have dinner before boarding and breakfast after disembarkment because the train departs late in the night and arrives early in the morning. That's just enough.
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Providing food is just too costly. In order for SNCF to provide and keep overnight train services sustainably, service level has to be reasonable. Travelers are expected to have dinner before boarding and breakfast after disembarkment because the train departs late in the night and arrives early in the morning. That's just enough.
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-paulvertbois6549
I'm a contrarian: this looks to me like the classic/existing sleeper trains, after some very minor servicing. Disappointing to focus so much on SNCF speechifying, so little on cost/benefit (comparison w/ day trains, car/coach, airplane, basically nothing on the passenger experience throughout the night. :(
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I'm a contrarian: this looks to me like the classic/existing sleeper trains, after some very minor servicing. Disappointing to focus so much on SNCF speechifying, so little on cost/benefit (comparison w/ day trains, car/coach, airplane, basically nothing on the passenger experience throughout the night. :(
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-johnatwater6724
You have brought back great memories from my time living in France. I remember taking the night train to Carcassonne on a field trip with the American School of Paris in the 1979. the cars must have been brand new! I still have the model train of these units in green and the steadfast BB7306!
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You have brought back great memories from my time living in France. I remember taking the night train to Carcassonne on a field trip with the American School of Paris in the 1979. the cars must have been brand new! I still have the model train of these units in green and the steadfast BB7306!
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-thetechnocrat4979
These coaches are extremely similar (right upto the sound of the bogies) to India's LHB coaches. It must be because the design of the LHB coaches is partially based on these Corail coaches. Although, they are more spacious thanks to IR's larger track gauge and loading gauge.
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These coaches are extremely similar (right upto the sound of the bogies) to India's LHB coaches. It must be because the design of the LHB coaches is partially based on these Corail coaches. Although, they are more spacious thanks to IR's larger track gauge and loading gauge.
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-cinnamo0n875
I'm confused, are you french or not because at first I was thinking you were not but your french accent is just perfect so.
Anyway thanks for the video, I have to take one of these in one month and I'm feeling very anxious about it, and I think it helped a bit
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I'm confused, are you french or not because at first I was thinking you were not but your french accent is just perfect so.
Anyway thanks for the video, I have to take one of these in one month and I'm feeling very anxious about it, and I think it helped a bit
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-samtrak1204
Sleeping car renaissance in Europe really make me envious because nothing is happening in USA except serious reductions in service and workforce by anti-rail Amtrak Board of Misdirection. Old equipment on Amtrak trains is running way past expiration dates.
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Sleeping car renaissance in Europe really make me envious because nothing is happening in USA except serious reductions in service and workforce by anti-rail Amtrak Board of Misdirection. Old equipment on Amtrak trains is running way past expiration dates.
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-avanb8818
Your videos are fantastic about these trains-
In South Africa we have a VERY VERY bad railway system as they steel the rail tracks and the copper cables for the signal system. -
The say it could take ten years to get the system working properly again
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Your videos are fantastic about these trains-
In South Africa we have a VERY VERY bad railway system as they steel the rail tracks and the copper cables for the signal system. -
The say it could take ten years to get the system working properly again
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-CKLee-rs4kl
I've enjoyed the SNCF trains in France for their comfort, speed and good ticket prices but would like to have been able to access an espresso bar or serviced drinks bar with snacks. Gets a little dry between Nice and Paris or Paris and Zurich.
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I've enjoyed the SNCF trains in France for their comfort, speed and good ticket prices but would like to have been able to access an espresso bar or serviced drinks bar with snacks. Gets a little dry between Nice and Paris or Paris and Zurich.
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-CharlieReece
Can't you just buy the other berths in a first class compartment and have a private compartment? Theoretically I could book my wife and myself in two berths and then book the other two berths for our kids and then just leave the kids behind?
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Can't you just buy the other berths in a first class compartment and have a private compartment? Theoretically I could book my wife and myself in two berths and then book the other two berths for our kids and then just leave the kids behind?
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-charleskiel2299
It does seem like SNCF missed the mark with first class. It's a shame because private cabins (with wc and showers) along with breakfast would entice business passengers to use this service instead of flying. Maybe in the future
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It does seem like SNCF missed the mark with first class. It's a shame because private cabins (with wc and showers) along with breakfast would entice business passengers to use this service instead of flying. Maybe in the future
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-flo_h_96
Amazing that they are still using the BB7200 locomotives. I love there design, it's not modern, but it has a peculiar charm which you can't find on modern locomotives. I hope they stay in service for many many more years!
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Amazing that they are still using the BB7200 locomotives. I love there design, it's not modern, but it has a peculiar charm which you can't find on modern locomotives. I hope they stay in service for many many more years!
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-Nadia1989
I'm planning a trip through Europe and I noticed the Paris-Toulouse Intercites de Nuit is no longer listed for March 2023! Does anyone know if this temporary or SNCF has given up on this route in favor of TGV?
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I'm planning a trip through Europe and I noticed the Paris-Toulouse Intercites de Nuit is no longer listed for March 2023! Does anyone know if this temporary or SNCF has given up on this route in favor of TGV?
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-Neville60001
6: 27-I love that the band is playing the song 'Take The 'A' Train' (which is really about taking a certain-lettered _subway_ train to a certain part of New York City, specifically to Sugar Hill in Harlem)
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6: 27-I love that the band is playing the song 'Take The 'A' Train' (which is really about taking a certain-lettered _subway_ train to a certain part of New York City, specifically to Sugar Hill in Harlem)
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-mikey420turbo
As a child we used sleepers to travel across France for our holidays from the UK, Glad to see that the the sleeper service being revived and I still love the rolling stock as it brings back fond memories.
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As a child we used sleepers to travel across France for our holidays from the UK, Glad to see that the the sleeper service being revived and I still love the rolling stock as it brings back fond memories.
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-ft6066
Couchette cars are really awful!
Why?
Imagine how is to sleep in that small space with another 5 strangers (for 2nd class) and 3 strangers in first class (why it's called 1st class!
Really shitty!
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Couchette cars are really awful!
Why?
Imagine how is to sleep in that small space with another 5 strangers (for 2nd class) and 3 strangers in first class (why it's called 1st class!
Really shitty!
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train
Nice vid. Just traveled from Paris Austerlitz to Toulouse by couchette train last week. But was not refurbished and more expensive. But still, nice rest and the head full of memories from childhood. thanks
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Nice vid. Just traveled from Paris Austerlitz to Toulouse by couchette train last week. But was not refurbished and more expensive. But still, nice rest and the head full of memories from childhood. thanks
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train
Thanks for the report. You are right a food service and a possibility to have a private compartment is needed. Anyway great to see night trains services continue ( i have taken several times Rodez-Paris)
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Thanks for the report. You are right a food service and a possibility to have a private compartment is needed. Anyway great to see night trains services continue ( i have taken several times Rodez-Paris)
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train
I think Americans would cope with just 2 people in a couchette - but NOT with a stranger.
Funny how in parts of the world - you can get a couchette just for yourself. Or for an increased fare.
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I think Americans would cope with just 2 people in a couchette - but NOT with a stranger.
Funny how in parts of the world - you can get a couchette just for yourself. Or for an increased fare.
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-deusvult7559
Coaches that beautiful should not be pulled by a locomotive that ugly. Just sayin'. Your conclusions were spot on. privacy and dining need to be addressed or this experiment will fail.
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Coaches that beautiful should not be pulled by a locomotive that ugly. Just sayin'. Your conclusions were spot on. privacy and dining need to be addressed or this experiment will fail.
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-ravarga4631
So howmuch privacy do you get on an overnight airplane? On a bus? Private berths would be uneconomical and damned expensive so all classes would subsidize the private berths.
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So howmuch privacy do you get on an overnight airplane? On a bus? Private berths would be uneconomical and damned expensive so all classes would subsidize the private berths.
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-melody383838
great video, i'm happy they are bringing night trains back again and hopefully service will be better with time. Hope you will cover the new Vienna-Paris Nightjet soon!
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great video, i'm happy they are bringing night trains back again and hopefully service will be better with time. Hope you will cover the new Vienna-Paris Nightjet soon!
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-paulgrougnie7028
for the private rooms, you could not have that for this price, since it would divide by four the number of person sleeping in each coaches. (so -4 price)
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for the private rooms, you could not have that for this price, since it would divide by four the number of person sleeping in each coaches. (so -4 price)
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-bebmeister656
If not at least a cafe bar, then a food trolley would be useful. Not everyone will realise that food isn't available. SNCF missing an opportunity here.
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If not at least a cafe bar, then a food trolley would be useful. Not everyone will realise that food isn't available. SNCF missing an opportunity here.
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