“Brittany knows it can count on SNCF’s expertise”
Loïg Chesnais-Girard, President of the Regional Council of Brittany, discusses how rail is fueling economic growth across the region, and why continued investment is essential to ensure high-quality public transport services.
What role does public transport play in Brittany?
Public transport is essential to balanced development and maintaining strong connections across the region. Offering Bretons an effective alternative to private cars helps reduce inequalities in access to mobility, especially for young people, older residents and low-income households. Expanding public transport to connect our job centres, universities and public services is vital, as it prevents those without a car from becoming isolated. Brittany’s network of vibrant small and midsized cities is one of our key strengths, but travel between them can be challenging. That’s why my position is clear: every part of this region must be included in our mobility solutions.
How do these mobility offerings benefit the public and the environment?
From an environmental perspective, public transport plays a direct role in the green transition by reducing CO2 emissions and easing road congestion. It also makes the region more attractive: an efficient transport system is a big plus for businesses, workers and tourists alike. Our mobility policy is shaped by demographic realities. If we want to attract more investment, hold onto manufacturing jobs and remain a dynamic region, we must continue investing in transport services and infrastructure.
What does that mindset translate to on the ground?
First, there’s a plan to accelerate rail services in western Brittany through the Liaisons Nouvelles Ouest Bretagne Pays de la Loire (LNOBPL). The high-speed line between Rennes and Le Mans, opened in 2017, has already increased train frequency and reduced travel times between Brittany and Paris. LNOBPL is the next crucial step.
Another flagship project is the Breton regional express service, SERM. When the French president asked what we needed, we proposed a new model: rather than concentrate investment in a single large city, we chose a regional approach that is more sustainable and better suited to supporting communities across Brittany. In this vision, rail forms the backbone of a public transport system linking towns and cities throughout the region. Our goal is to run trains every 15 minutes during peak hours in the big cities served by the main network, while preserving the smaller lines that serve rural communities.
Lastly, expanding rail freight is also a priority. Because of its history and geography, Brittany still relies heavily on road transport. We know we must make greater use of rail freight where volumes make sense.
Why is investing in the rail network so important?
Over the past decade, Brittany has invested more than €1 billion to modernize its rail network. And today we are reaping the rewards. Paris is now more accessible than from any other neighbouring region. Our multimodal hubs are equipped with the latest technologies. Rolling stock is up to date. And ridership has risen steadily for five years straight.
Together these efforts have allowed the TER BreizhGo regional rail service to achieve one of the highest reliability and user satisfaction rates in France. It demonstrates what can be accomplished when public authorities, investors and industry work together. But maintaining this level of service requires ongoing investment. Bretons are deeply attached to their trains, as are local authorities, and this shared commitment make us stronger.
Brittany knows that it can rely on SNCF’s technical expertise and on the dedication of its rail workers to deliver top-notch public services every day.
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