Interview with Jacques Peynot, Director of Île-de-France stations

Why is the SNCF interested in workspaces in Île-de-France stations?

Jacques Peynot - In 2014, the SNCF began thinking about the creation of office space in connection with the phenomenon of teleworking that was developing in France. We looked at third places and shared workspaces, as well as microworking in stations. The location of these spaces near or in stations enables professionals to work without spending hours in transport. The SNCF is also interested in reducing peak traffic in the Île-de-France region by easing congestion on certain lines. One million people living in the outer suburbs commute to work in the inner suburbs every day.

How does SNCF operate?

J. P. - For coworking spaces, we are first identifying vacant spaces such as the former station master's accommodation on the first floor. After converting these 100 m² 200 m away²We are launching a call for projects. An operator specialising in the management of shared offices can take over the keys and rent out the space to start-ups or associations. We are aiming for 30 to 50 sites of this type, compared with around ten at present.

Why develop micro-working spaces in the Paris Region?

J. P. - It's a bit like the waiting room at today's stations. This free-access space has Wi-Fi and power sockets so you can work while you wait for the train. The microworking projects are being developed with Ile-de-France Mobilités, which is providing 100TP3T of funding. 150 projects will be completed by the end of 2019. Arep, the architecture agency and subsidiary of SNCF Gares & Connexions, has designed four settings depending on the surface area available, from a simple point for recharging mobile devices to a 50 m²with armchairs and a reading corner. These areas broadcast traffic information and are equipped with video surveillance to reassure users.