Great Western Coffee Shop

Yet another stranded passenger horror story from France - see euronews (http://www.euronews.com/2014/06/15/power-cut-strands-rail-passengers-in-france/) or this longer French story from
Le Point (http://www.lepoint.fr/societe/nuit-de-galere-pour-2-300-passagers-de-la-sncf-entre-paris-et-nice-15-06-2014-1836346_23.php).

The big delay was from 7 pm, when the two trains stopped close to Nice, and 3 a.m. when they got to Nice, dragged by diesel. I suspect the Paris train was already in such a mess, and lacking food and water etc. that is couldn't reasonably be taken on to Paris from there. The train that subsequently went on to Paris took a bit longer than usual, as it too had to be dragged through the dead section (only about 7 km long).

From the start SNCF said the cause was someone firing a rifle at the OHLE supporting masts. That sounds unlikely - unless perhaps it really refers to the insulators on top of the masts. Incidentally, this is 25 kV AC, despite not being LGV and being in 1500 V DC territory. There was meant to be a more thorough examination today, but I've not seen any result.

SNCF also have to cope with the current indefinite strike, running since Wednesday. That is probably why the trains were so full. It was called by SUD-Rail (pretty much a bunch of Trots) and the CGT (more "conventional" communists) basically in support of full renationalisation instead of joining RFF and SNCF a bit more closely, as is now proposed (the bill is to be debated next week). While the number on strike is given as 15-20%, its has reduced service levels to around 50% overall. And the baccalaur^at starts next week too - so special arrangements are being made to give priority to the lyc^ens sitting it.

Am I allowed to suggest that maybe a disgruntled union member might have caused it. Nah.

Another case of electric only traction being rendered useless when there's a power cut.  Perhaps the IEP's emergency engines will prevent such a meltdown when the GWML electrification completes?