SNCF makes amends amid timetable revolution

If the school matron-like SNCF contrôleuse on the Annecy-Geneva train this morning is anything to go by, this is not the world's most customer-focused organisation. But aggressive barking at sleepy passengers is not the whole story, according to their latest press release.

Reeling from protests against their protests, the SNCF have decided to reimburse regular travellers for the inconvenience caused during the stoppages in November. So, commuters, when you come to renew your monthly pass in January, that most economically challenged of months, you should find yourself travelling for a bargain. This size of this festive offering is calculated in proportion to the amount of abject misery you endured.

Fellow commuters to Geneva are however left non-plussed by the offer, on the eve of a major overhaul to the Rhône-Alpes timetable. The veritable revolution (called 'cadencement' or 'in rhythm') starts on 9 December 2007 and aims to make the timetable easier to understand. For instance, travellers from Grenoble to Lyon line will just have to memorise the number 44 - with trains always leaving at 44 past the hour.

Critics on the Annecy-Geneva stretch argue that the un-commuter friendly bus replacements and schedule will force them back into their cars, while others will not be able to enjoy the new service (a first in France) thanks to - you guessed it - a new wave of forthcoming strikes.