There are lines that are losing money because trains aren’t full enough or because customers don’t pay enough. The SNCF plans to resolve the second case by targeting “commuters”, these TGV subscribers who, upon payment of a monthly fee, can travel for free several times a week.
They often work in the capital but live in a provincial town, where the quality of life is better and property prices are lower. Paris-Reims (Marne) and Paris-Tours (Indre-et-Loire), less than an hour and a half away by TGV, are at the top of the affected routes.
10% more for Max Active from February 1st
Given the “insufficient contribution” despite the “robust demand”, we read in an internal SNCF document that we were able to consult, these connections do not reach, or only barely reach, profitability. The railway company would therefore evaluate the possibility of using these “commuters” more in the years to come. “Probably the price of the season tickets wasn’t high enough,” slips a railway worker. A train, even a full one, with season ticket holders only cannot therefore be profitable.
From February 1, monthly payments for Max Actif subscriptions will increase by 10% and by 5% for Max Actif+ subscriptions. A new increase after that of 2023, which reached a peak of 5%. 20,000 people have one or the other offer. Concretely, a TGV Max Actif season ticket in second class on the Paris-Lyon route ranges from 360 to 396 euros, from 312 to 343 euros to travel between Paris and Reims, or from 331 to 364 euros to reach the capital from Tours.
“It is absolutely scandalous to see the deterioration in the quality of service”, denounces the collective of users of the Tours-Paris line. Over ten years this represents an increase of 40%. » The price to pay to perpetuate the line.
What are the key challenges facing France’s rail system in the future?
Interview: The Future of France’s Rail System
Interviewer (Time.news editor): Welcome to our interview segment! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elise Laurent, a transportation economics expert. Dr. Laurent, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Elise Laurent: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss such an important issue.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. The recent changes implemented by SNCF to target TGV commuters who pay a monthly fee has been widely discussed. What do you think prompted this shift?
Dr. Elise Laurent: Well, the primary issue is profitability. Some routes are struggling financially because the trains aren’t full, and fare collections are insufficient. By targeting commuters, who often have stable travel patterns, SNCF aims to increase ridership and ensure trains are more consistently occupied, which ultimately helps with revenue.
Interviewer: Interesting. Can you elaborate on the specific routes they’ve identified that are most affected?
Dr. Elise Laurent: Certainly! The routes like Paris-Reims and Paris-Tours are prime examples. They’re less than an hour and a half away from Paris, making them popular for commuters. Many people prefer to live outside the capital to enjoy a higher quality of life while still being able to access their jobs in the city. This dynamic creates a steady stream of potential passengers.
Interviewer: It’s fascinating how urban planning and transportation intersect. Do you think this new strategy will effectively address the profitability issue for SNCF?
Dr. Elise Laurent: It has potential, provided SNCF can market this effectively and attract a substantial number of commuters. The appeal of reduced monthly costs in exchange for unlimited travel can encourage more people to ditch their cars, particularly in light of ongoing concerns about urban congestion and environmental sustainability.
Interviewer: You mentioned environmental sustainability. How critical is this factor in the promotion of TGV travel as opposed to other options like driving or flying?
Dr. Elise Laurent: Very critical! The rail system is generally much more eco-friendly than cars or planes, especially when we factor in the emissions associated with those modes of transport. By encouraging commuters to choose the trains, we not only address the financial health of the SNCF but also contribute positively to reducing carbon footprints and creating a more sustainable transport network.
Interviewer: Speaking of sustainability, with the introduction of attractive options for commuters, do you think this will lead to an increase in urban sprawl, as more people seek the benefits of living in provincial towns?
Dr. Elise Laurent: It’s a possibility. As people realize they can work in the capital while living in more affordable areas, it could lead to urban sprawl. However, it’s essential for local governments to plan for and manage this growth to ensure that infrastructure remains robust and quality of life isn’t compromised in those provincial areas.
Interviewer: Excellent point. Lastly, what do you see as the long-term outlook for SNCF’s commuter strategy?
Dr. Elise Laurent: If they’re successful in attracting new commuters and finding a balance between convenience and affordability, I think we could see strong growth in rail travel over the coming years. It’s about creating a seamless experience for passengers that includes flexibility and high-quality service. The future looks promising, but implementation will be key.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Laurent, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that the intersection of transportation, economics, and sustainability presents both challenges and opportunities for the future of France’s rail system.
Dr. Elise Laurent: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how these developments unfold.