Thousands of commuters travelling between Monaco, Nice and the Italian border will need to make alternative arrangements next month, with all train services on the Nice–Ventimiglia line suspended on Tuesday 10th November and for much of Wednesday 11th November due to major engineering works.
The disruption, announced by the Prince’s Government, will affect Monaco-Monte-Carlo station and the entire coastal rail corridor between Nice and Ventimiglia, one of the principal transport routes for workers travelling into the Principality.
SNCF Réseau will carry out infrastructure works as part of a wider programme to modernise the region’s railway network, with the aim of improving reliability and eventually allowing more frequent services.
According to the Government, trains will not operate throughout Tuesday 10th November, with services remaining suspended until the evening of Wednesday 11th November.
The closure coincides with France’s Armistice Day public holiday on 11th November, although the disruption on Tuesday will affect a normal working day for thousands of cross-border commuters.
Government urges commuters to plan ahead
With the closure expected to affect journeys into and out of Monaco, the Prince’s Government is encouraging passengers to reconsider their travel arrangements well in advance.
Among the options suggested are working from home, postponing non-essential journeys, adjusting working hours or annual leave, and using public transport or car-sharing services.
For those who must travel, the Government recommends checking the latest information from regional transport operators, including the ZOU! bus network, SNCF TER and Zestbus, which will provide updates on available services.
Another alternative highlighted by the Government is BlaBlaCar Daily, the car-sharing service supported by the Principality.
Under the scheme, passengers travelling on eligible journeys starting or ending in Monaco can travel free of charge, while drivers receive financial support from the Monaco Government.
Further rail closures expected
The November disruption forms part of a longer-term modernisation programme being undertaken by SNCF Réseau across the region.
The Prince’s Government has warned that further temporary line closures should be expected over the coming years as infrastructure upgrades continue.
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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti