How would you assess Trenitalia's first steps in France?
Roberto Rinaudo - We have exceeded our launch targets. This is very good news. Trenitalia has been very well received, particularly for the value for money of our offer. Our trains are full with 98% load factor of saleable capacity, bearing in mind that our trains are limited to 80% of their total capacity for reasons linked to the health crisis. The most booked routes are Paris-Lyon and Paris-Milan followed by Paris-Turin, Lyon-Milan and Paris-Chambéry. The level of service is also a factor that is highly valued by our customers. passengers who are delighted to now have a choice when it comes to travelling. Passengers were waiting for a complementary offer.
Are business customers already coming?
Roberto Rinaudo - It's too early to say. The Christmas holidays are not representative, and we have to deal with a January penalised by restrictions linked to the pandemic, in particular the closure of our on-board catering. Trenitalia distributes a selection of products from our bar to our Business and Executive class passengers as they get off the train. However, we have noticed that the Business class is very popular in January, as is the Executive class, but this only concerns 10 seats on each train. We are therefore encouraging our passengers to book as early as possible. We have also registered our first customers for our meeting room on boardThis is mainly on Paris-Lyon routes, as expected.
offer tailored, specific packages for companies with frequent travellers on their staff
Has Trenitalia already signed corporate agreements with companies and distribution agreements with TMCs?
Roberto Rinaudo - We are not yet specifically targeting this business segment. We have already received a number of requests, and over the next few months we will be working to put forward offers that are tailored and specific to companies with a workforce of frequent travellers. The aim is first and foremost to offer the simplest possible offer with a single tariff, even if this evolves according to demand, and very flexible. Our tariff Serenita allows you to exchange your ticket as many times as you like. As far as distribution is concerned, Trenitalia already has a large number of partners, since we are relying on the Trenitalia group network. This means we can make our offer known to as many people as possible.
What is your long-term target split between leisure and business customers?
Roberto Rinaudo - Trenitalia doesn't think like that. Firstly, because business and leisure customers depend on the route and the time of year. Many services cater for both leisure and business customers, such as the wifi available and free to all, or our Silenzio spaces for those who want to relax or work in peace. Allegro being the space of conviviality for those travelling in groups, including those travelling with colleagues. The meeting room is ideal for business travellers.
three additional daily return services in the first half of 2022
What are the next steps in Trenitalia's development on this route?
Roberto Rinaudo - The launch phase was fundamental for us. The next step is to strengthen the Paris-Lyon routes by scheduling 3 additional daily return trips in the first half of 2022, so as to offer 5 daily return trips. One of the criteria for business travellers is undoubtedly the frequency. That's why we're planning this increase. And business travellers can use our trains with peace of mind, as all our tickets are flexible.
