A recent petition has garnered significant attention in Charente-Maritime, collecting 1,300 signatures in just two weeks from a community of only 200 residents. The petition is in response to the upcoming management of the ferry service between Fouras and the island of Aix by Keolis, set to begin on January 1, 2025. Many passengers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the new pricing structure, particularly criticizing the removal of a fare card that previously offered discounts to secondary residents. Considering these concerns,local residents have organized meetings and formed a users’ association,with 120 attendees at their inaugural gathering.
Michaël Le Hyaric, the director of Keolis marittima Fouras-Aix, acknowledged the community’s concerns during a press conference held on January 16. He introduced a new pricing model aimed at addressing the backlash. The “Aix’clusive” card, designed for frequent travelers, offers a loyalty rate for those purchasing 10 to 20 trips. “This card is intended for island families, secondary residents, fishermen, and artisans, but it is available to everyone,” Le Hyaric explained.
under the new pricing, a package of 10 trips will cost €79.20, a slight increase from the previous €72 for the old “Aix’Tra” card.
“This should calm the situation”
additionally, a reduced fare is now available for young adults aged 18 to 25. However, the cost of a standard ticket has risen substantially, with prices reaching €25 during peak season, up from €17 in 2024. Mayor Patrick Denaud of the island of Aix commented, “The new card is part of the improvements that should help alleviate the situation.” He also raised concerns about the reliability of the ferry service,particularly during the busy summer months. Le Hyaric assured that they would maintain regular service and have a backup boat available in Rochefort’s commercial port in case of emergencies. However, he noted that low tide could hinder operations.
The mandatory booking system, another point of contention, remains in effect. “Cancellations are free up to 48 hours before departure, and changes can be made up to 40 minutes prior,” stated Sylvie Marcilly, president of the department. for those without internet access, tickets can still be purchased in Fouras or at the tourist office on the island.
In a positive turn, January has been designated as a free month for pedestrian travelers. “I have never seen so many visitors on the island at this time of year. People are coming to explore, visit museums, shop, and dine out,” remarked Mayor Denaud. By mid-January, the ferry service had already transported 5,300 passengers, more than double the number from the same period in 2024.
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Discussion Between Time.news Editor and Expert on conducting Expert Interviews
Time.news Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today. we’re excited too delve into the nuances of conducting expert interviews, an essential skill for gathering insights in today’s fast-paced facts landscape. To start, coudl you explain what an expert interview realy entails?
Expert: Absolutely! An expert interview is a structured conversation with someone who has deep knowledge and experience in a specific field. Unlike casual chats, these interviews are designed to extract valuable insights and opinions that go beyond what’s readily available in public sources. They can help clarify complex topics and offer perspectives that often aren’t documented anywhere else, which can be incredibly useful for research and decision-making.
Time.news Editor: That makes sense! I’ve read that they can’t replace the need for thorough industry research. Can you elaborate on why both desk research and expert interviews are vital?
Expert: Certainly! Desk research is crucial for building a foundational understanding of the topics at hand. however, expert interviews provide deeper insights into the practical implications and personal interpretations of that knowledge. This blend ensures that you not only comprehend the academic or theoretical aspects but also understand the real-world applications and expert viewpoints surrounding those ideas[2[2[2[2].
Time.news Editor: I see! Furthermore, do you have any tips on how to prepare for these interviews effectively?
Expert: Preparation is key! Start by identifying yoru specific information needs, which helps in formulating relevant questions. Constructing an interview guide can be particularly beneficial. This guide should include key topics and detailed questions that lead the conversation. As an example, begin with broad questions to set the context and then narrow down into specific issues to uncover deeper insights[3[3[3[3].
Time.news Editor: Excellent advice! Lastly, how do you recommend concluding the interview to ensure you’ve captured all necessary information?
Expert: Always take time at the end of the interview to summarize what you’ve learned and ask if the expert has any final thoughts. This not only reinforces your understanding but also gives the expert a chance to add anything they feel is critically important. Additionally, it can pave the way for future interactions as they may be open to follow-up questions later on