the government announces a “fare freeze” on Ouigo and Intercités trains

2023-12-07 11:45:30

The Minister for Transport Clément Beaune announced Thursday that the government would put in place in 2024 a “tariff shield” on Ouigo and Intercités trains. This “price freeze” must allow the “French people who have the most difficulty taking the train”.

“The train must be affordable and popular, that’s clear”said Clément Beaune on franceinfo, announcing to achieve this four measures for the railway, including three price freezes constituting a sort of “tariff shield” on the model of what had been done ” Last year “ in the face of inflation for energy prices.

Freezing price ceilings for discount cards

“I want us to have a price shield again next year, but for it to be a little different: I want it to be targeted precisely at the French who have the most difficulty taking the train”explained the minister.

“First, there will be a price freeze on Ouigo”either “one in four TGVs”he announced, because “It’s often the TGV that young people take, that people who have a little less means take”. “It makes high speed accessible to everyone on many lines”estimated Clément Beaune.

The Intercités, “neglected” trains

There will also be “a freeze on prices on Intercity trains”ces trains “who have been neglected” in terms of investments but what do they borrow “more than 12 million French people each year”he clarified. “We’re buying new trains”he noted, “but we are also going to freeze their prices, it’s a question of respect, for next year. »

The Minister for Transport also “required from SNCF” that the price ceilings enjoyed by holders of the Avantage reduction card, which had been increased by €10 this summer, do not increase throughout 2024.

Furthermore, Clément Beaune confirmed the launch, “by next summer”a Rail Pass, which will allow unlimited TER and Intercités travel anywhere in France. “It is also a measure to reduce prices, because it will allow a price that will be very accessible”he said.

This price is not yet defined, because “we are discussing it with the regions”he recalled, but it will be in “the order of magnitude of what the Germans do, that is to say around €49 per month”.