This morning, at Place Masséna, the SudRAIL union and users of the Train des Pignes mobilized against the permanent closure of the Breil-sur-Roya ticket office. Their objective: to prevent the elimination of what they call a “lifeline.”
“We are losing something essential, a lifeline,” says Laurence Sarfati into her microphone, a member of the union’s bureau. The rail connections between Nice, Breil-sur-Roya, and Tende will be completely removed starting at the beginning of the school year. The approximately fifty people present wanted to express their dissatisfaction. The gathering began with songs like “Bella Ciao” and “Nissa la Bella.” Then, the various association representatives chose to speak to explain the issue.
A Lot of Movements Starting in September
As early as the start of next month, work will commence to terminate this railway line. The concern is the loss of jobs, as well as the added difficulty of commuting for residents of the Bavera, Paillon, and Roya valleys. “A dehumanized station,” exclaims another member of SudRail. The words are strong, and the rebellion is very much present.
The Necessity of Finding Solutions
Some are already sure they will have to move in the coming months. Ms. Sarfati laments that residents must consider relocating due to a lack of transport and mobility. She even describes it as “a joke” that a line recently registered in the European transport network is being neglected in such a way.
