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Using SNCF and ride share apps in France

Posted by (Washington, DC USA) on

Every time I make a reservation with the SNCF app, it asks if I want to insure the trip. For under 2 euros (for my tickets) it appears to offer 100% refund if you change your mind or miss your train. I have not needed to try this but I am curious If anyone here has used it and whether it is availability to non-EU residents.

On a totally separate issue, I have heard conflicting information on availability of Uber and Bolt outside of larger cities in France. When I was in Uzes a couple days ago and looking to get to a nearby town when the bus schedule wasn’t convenient, my Uber app showed a luxury car would come for over 50 euros; google maps suggested Bolt which offered a ride for less than 9euros. I was doubtful whether these were real so I asked at tourist information where I was told they were not true and no ride share companies operate in Uzes. They gave me the number for a taxi which was only 13 euros, which was great, and I was able to get a bus back. I’m curious how you know when the ride share apps are making legit offers or not?

Posted by
7630 posts

I don't use UBER, BOLT or others often. However, when I have, it seems that there can be initial confirmation of a ride and then apparently when the driver reviews the route, they cancel. I'm not sure if this could have been what happened to you.

When we were in Porto, Portugal, we needed to get to the bus station (We had purposely stayed near the train station, but train workers went on strike) We asked our BnB about Bolt or UBER and she said they had so many bad experiences with them not showing that they'd only call a taxi.

Posted by
3461 posts

100% refund if you change your mind or miss your train

If you miss your train due to another train being late you do not need insurance. The railway must transport you on the next available train free of charge.
SNCF is run by guys from the airline industry, and that shows...

Posted by
11414 posts

SNCF will withhold a percentage of your TGV ticket if you return it. The insurance refunds the part withheld.

Local TER tickets are handled by the local company, some 100% refundable, others not. OUIGo tickets have insurance you can buy, also.

Your experience with ride share can happen but it depends on. Example tiny little Vernon train station has Bolt drivers all day taking people back and forth to Giverny. My larger city, at certain hours, nothing available. I have gone back to reserving taxis where I live.

Posted by
3237 posts

Regarding Uber and Bolt, they are only available in large cities and towns, or in highly touristy areas. Other than that, they are very rare, if not nonexistent.

In rural areas, most people who need to get around have their own car (or a bicycle, or a motorcycle) when no public transportation service is available. For any other exceptional transportation needs, there are already local taxis that everyone knows.
And when it's for medical transportation needs, the fare is reimbursed by health insurance.

Therefore, economically, to be an Uber driver is not profitable in these areas. An app can make you believe a driver is available when there isn't one.

I live in the countryside where most people have no idea what Bolt is. If you ask them what they think of Uber, many will think you're talking about someone with the first name "Hubert."!

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