Notices by lars' transport world (larstransportworld@mastodon.social), page 2

At Narbonne station, there are plenty of ticket machines for long-distance and regional trains, as well as job application machines... 🤯 #BlankSpots

Annecy was never really on my bucket list, but it was for many other tourists, and with good reason. #BlankSpots

It's time for a change in Valence-Ville. As I'm still avoiding the TGV, it's time for another TER. And, what a surprise, it's a Corail train hauled by a Nez-Cassé again! 😉 The sunny Mediterranean weather has given way to misty autumn weather on my way to Annecy. #BlankSpots

The next day, a new TER. I've lost track of the remaining Corail TER services, but I know my Avignon–Valence train is one of them. It even comes with a 'Nez Cassé'. 😊 I'm trying to catch up on some rest on this comfortable, albeit slightly dirty, train. Between Pierrelatte and Montélimar, the line runs alongside the Rhône for a short while. #BlankSpots

They are dancing there, they are dancing there. #BlankSpots

What a great way to return from Portugal! 🛳️ Or, at least, to arrive in my home country. This is my first time on 🇫🇷🇨🇭 Lake Geneva! I'm enjoying it, even without the view of the Alps. #BlankSpots

The town of Évian-les-Bains is well known thanks to the eponymous water brand. But what about the town itself? Well, thanks to the old town, I now know that Halloween trees are a thing, not just Christmas trees. #BlankSpots

Well, it's time to trick myself into not coming home. I'm still trying to take some #BlankSpots with me. At Annemasse, I'll change to a TER train bound for Évian-les-Bains. This is one of the closest railway lines to Switzerland that I have never travelled on before. In fact, it used to lead into Switzerland, but the section east of Évian-les-Bains is now closed. The ride in the vestibule takes 40 minutes.

The presence of the Léman Express and Swiss trains in Annecy makes it clear that the Swiss border is nearby. I board the TER/RL2 service bound for 🇨🇭 Coppet. However, it always feels wrong to use an Interrail pass instead of my GA to board an SBB regional train. #BlankSpots

Did you know that 🇨🇭 Switzerland has a metro system? The m2 rubber-tyre tramway takes me from Ouchy terminus, which is located on the lake, to Lausanne station. #BlankSpots

#Porto is now a very popular tourist destination. I'm sure you've seen lots of pictures of it already, so we'll focus on public transport. 👀 #BlankSpots

🇵🇹 Porto Campanhã, terminus of the Tren Celta. I'm happy to arrive in Portugal for the first time, but I am also a little sad. This is my last 'first time' arriving in a European country west of my home by train. Welcome to the last chapter of #BlankSpots!

The next morning, I find a train made up of four old CP wagons waiting for me on the platform at Porto Campanhã. Many others and I were looking forward to a picturesque ride on the Linha da Douro. Judging by the conversations ("What country's national railways are called Renfe? Wasn't it Portugal?"), I assume that not only rail enthusiasts are present. (1/5) #BlankSpots

Well, what is this strange train? Let's find out the next day #BlankSpots!

These days, the Linha do Douro ends at Pocinho. The section to Spain closed in 1988. So, it's time to head back. At the intermediate stations, additional assengers board, carrying wine boxes. (4/5) #BlankSpots

One hour after leaving Porto Campanha, our train finally arrives at the River Douro. The landscape gradually changes from green to... less green. (3/5) #BlankSpots

Did I say 'train'? Well, that's not the case yet. First, let's couple the coaches to this diesel locomotive. Then we can set off on the picturesque Linha de Douro. (2/5) #BlankSpots

After arriving back at Porto Campanhã station, my first ever ride on the Alfa Pendular train is about to begin. It is a modern, fast train with many passengers waiting for the weekend, and unfortunately I couldn't take a picture. Something reminds me of Stockholm, but what? I'm heading south through the mist along the coast. 🔊: "Nästa: Coimbra-B" #BlankSpots

Life is better with #FensterAuf, at least sometimes! (5/5) #BlankSpots

Unfortunately, Coimbra-A station, the terminus, closed in January 2025. Coimbra-B, which is located on the outskirts of the city, is therefore the only remaining station. However, it seems that the closed railway line will be used for a future BRT system connecting the city to Coimbra-B. This seems like a very good idea, given the congestion on the streets. #BlankSpots