"The very restrictive conditions under which double bassists can travel by TGV (first class ticket, only one double bass per train) are still far from being fully satisfactory". Photo: Shutterstock.
On 13 February 2025, the French Minister of Culture announced that, following a trial period in late 2024, double basses would be allowed on board French trains run by TGV, following a previous ban.
On the face of it it's good news and a major victory, however in talking to our colleagues from French Musicians’ Union SNAM, the concession is hampered by some significant restrictions.
Only one double bass can be accommodated per train
Timo Metzemakers, SNAM Head of International Affairs says: "The broad mobilisation of musicians through SNAM-CGT, as well as orchestra management and their employers' unions, has finally made it possible to reverse the absolute ban on double bassists travelling by TGV with their instrument.
“While we are delighted with this major victory, we would point out that the very restrictive conditions under which double bassists can travel by TGV (first class ticket, only one double bass per train) are still far from being fully satisfactory. The case of other cumbersome instruments (harps, theorboes, tubas, etc.) has not yet been resolved.
“We will therefore continue to demand solutions commensurate with the issues at stake: the fight against climate change, and the necessary changes in the practices of music professionals, must include the possibility of going to work by train, whatever the instrument.”
We share the concerns of our French colleagues regarding these restrictions
Dave Webster, MU Head of International says: “Our congratulations go to SNAM-CGT for this significant step forward, however we share the concerns of our French colleagues regarding the restrictions, and we wish them well in their ongoing campaign .
“UK bass and harp players face similar problems getting to the continent by Eurostar due to the space limitations within the trains, and we have not yet been able to find a solution for this”.
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