France PM Edouard Philippe urges May 11 public transport opening

French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has urged people to continue working from home to "limit the use of public transport" when the country begins easing confinement measures later this month.

Philippe reaffirmed that people will be allowed to travel no further than 100 kilometers (62 miles) with exceptions only for compelling familial or professional motives.

Heads of France's biggest public transports companies, including national railway SNCF and Paris metro RATP, who have voiced concerns over lack of human and material resources to ensure travelers' safety.

In a speech to French senators, Philippe said they need to "find the right answers to complex questions" because it is necessary to provide public transports "in a controlled way" next week to help the economy recover, after two months of strict lockdown in the country.

Philippe reaffirmed that people will be allowed to travel no further than 100 kilometers (62 miles) with exceptions only for compelling familial or professional motives.

He said reservation will be mandatory to halve the number of passengers in long-distance trains.

Heads of public transports companies called for police to help them regulate passengers flows and warned of potential disruptions during rush hour, in an open letter on Sunday. Philippe did not provide details.

Starting from May 11, all French businesses will be allowed to resume activity and schools will start gradually reopening

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