Something new at SNCF! After a complaint from professional musicians - and double bassists in particular - who were refused access to their train with their instrument, because it was too bulky, now the transport company is reversing this rule by proposing an experiment since July 1, 2024: allowing musicians to carry their double bass with them, on the TGV. This initiative will end on September 8, 2024, but could be extended if the results of the test phase are conclusive.
Let's not forget the misadventures experienced by many double bassists, including that of a member of theOrchestre de Paris in 2022, as recounted by our Radio Classique colleagues. Denied boarding for a concert in La Rochelle, he had no choice but to drive to his destination, after a 5.5-hour journey. Unfortunately, this is a common situation for musicians, despite petitions and lobbying for a special dispensation. This new SNCF experiment is therefore a ray of hope for music professionals.
So, how do you board a TGV with a double bass? Double basses must be labelled and in a bag, and must not exceed 1.95 meters. They must be placed in dedicated slots in first class on duplex TGVs, or in second class on single-decker trains. Only Inoui TGVs are concerned, not Ouigo trains. To avoid any inconvenience, musicians should reserve a seat close to the instrument, and give preference to off-peak periods.
This flexibility, if it proves effective, could become a paying service after September 8, as specified by SNCF.If the passenger's seat is not in visual proximity to the instrument, or if a double bass is already on board, a replacement will be considered on the train or on a subsequent train, without penalty".
The success of this initiative depends on collaboration between the SNCF, representatives of the profession, and the Ministries of Culture and Transport. And for the conclusions of this experiment, we'll have to wait until the start of the 2024 school year!
