TER, petites lignes… les régions prennent la main

Conference organized during the VRT 2026 Regional Grand Prix, held on May 19, 2026 Regional Express Trains (TER), branch lines… regions take the lead The rail landscape is undergoing profound transformation in France with the ever-increasing involvement of regional authorities in their transport systems. On the one hand, regional transport authorities are calling on new operators, as seen in the South and Normandy (or choosing SNCF Voyageurs, which is creating new dedicated companies), with the aim of increasing service and quality. On the other hand, they are investing to revitalize their branch lines and are calling on public authorities for support. The government, which has just entrusted Prefect Philizot with a new mission concerning branch lines, is expected to take a position on this issue soon. What do local authorities expect? What role will operators play? What solutions exist for serving all regions? Speakers: Edouard Henaut, Managing Director France – Transdev Eric Steil, Marketing and Development Director – TER General Management – ​​SNCF Voyageurs Thomas Fontaine, Director of Heavy Rail and Rail France and Switzerland – RATP Dev François Philizot, Former Prefect, Project Manager for Regional Rail Lines Franck Dhersin, Senator for the Nord Department Patricia Perennes, Consultant – Trans-Missions With contributions from Renaud Lagrave, Vice-President in charge of Mobility, Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region, and Jean-Luc Gibelin, Cice-President in charge of Mobility for All and Transport Infrastructure