Good news for double bassists! No more fines and refusal of boarding: the SNCF is now unaccompanied, without cost, the transport of double bass on board the TGV Inoui, under certain conditions. This decision follows an experiment carried out between July and December, deemed “positive” and “conclusive” by SNCF travelers and the Ministry of Culture.
So far, the situation has been problematic. Since 2021, the SNCF considered these instruments as “bulky and extraordinary luggage”, making the musicians’ movements complicated and exposing them to a fine of 130 euros for down format luggage. Artists had thus been verbalized or prevented from accessing their train, leading professional organizations to go up to the niche.
An authorization under certain conditions
From now on, the double bass is authorized on board the incomplete TGVs, provided they are transported “under flexible cover” and not to exceed 1.95 meters (cover included). They will have to be placed in “suitable locations”, located in first class for double level TGVs and second -class for single -level TGVs. However, a single double bass can be welcomed by train for security reasons. If an instrument is already on board, the musician will have to wait for the next train.
Find our file on the SNCF
The travelers concerned will have to reserve places located near their instrument and are invited to favor traffic hours during off -peak. For the scene union together, this announcement constitutes a “major advance” which “comes to close a long -term fight to guarantee music professionals (…) fair access to rail transport and the recognition of instruments as a working tool” .
(Tagstotranslate) News (T) SCOF (T) SNCF (T) TGV (T) Music (T) Transport (T) Train (T) Premiere
