La SNCF is set to post a record operating deficit in 2020 of over 5 billion euros. But that won't stop it from being proactive in reconciling passengers with rail travel. As detailed by Jean-Pierre Farandou, Chairman and CEO of the SNCF Group.
For passengers, there is some good news. For the very short term - i.e. the festive season - the SNCF CEO has confirmed that train services will be there. "We have 4.5 million seats on sale, of which 1.8 million have already been purchased. A third of the offer concerns low fares. For example, Paris-Bordeaux at €30 or Paris-Marseille at €45", explained Jean-Pierre Farandou.
Faced with a possible delay in the government's second phase of deconfliction on 15 December, SNCF's CEO sought to reassure. " All our tickets are refundable and exchangeable free of charge up to one hour before departure.. This measure is valid until 4 January. After that date, refunds will still be free, but up to D-3 before departure" said Jean-Pierre Farandou.
For 2021, the CEO of the SNCF has confirmed a reform of tariff structuress. "There is a real issue here, because many passengers perceive the TGV as an expensive product. This is particularly the case for last-minute travellers. Our marketing teams are working on a new pricing system. I hope that we can achieve offer low prices even for last-minute trips" said the CEO of the rail company. Before adding that he hoped to see this new pricing system to come into effect before summer 2021.
And he concluded that taking the train was still one of the safest ways to travel. Not only because the SNCF applies very strict health protocols. But also because, according to Jean-Pierre Farandou, trains " it doesn't cause road congestion and it's environmentally friendly" !
