In response to government requests, SNCF this morning presented its fare shield, which aims to limit rate increases to an average of 5% from 10 January on the Inoui and Ouigo TGVs, which is less than the rate of inflation. " If we had had to apply the 180% rise in energy costs and the 6% rise in inflation, the increase would have been 13%. We have chosen to protect the most sensitive populations and young people" said Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs. He added: " This effort represents a shortfall of several hundred million euros." . However, this should not plunge the carrier's accounts into the red in 2023.
On the 4,000 routes concerned, yield will obviously dictate the rules. depending on the time of travel and how full it is of the train, but also of the competition on the line - with Trenitalia for example - or the customer mix, particularly when there are more business passengers on board on certain routes such as Paris-Lyon.
Not wishing to reduce the number of TGVs in circulation, SNCF intends instead to continue to develop the offer in 2023 and develop services. The aim is also to boost the attractiveness of rail, whose modal share is set to double by 2030. Investments totalling €500m will therefore be maintained in 2023 to buy new trains and renovate workshops. The SNCF also hopes that the fare increases that are also affecting low-cost airlines will encourage passengers to choose the train.
Top prices set to rise further
In fact, " the minimum TGV timetable will remain unchanged, as will the prices of Ouigo services, 50% of which are sold for less than €25" explained Alain Krakovitch, Director of TGV/Intercités. The benefits of the Avantage card have also been maintained until September 2023, as have those of the Max Senior and Max Jeunes season tickets.
This fare increase is therefore applied to the maximum prices of the fare grids, to the ticket prices of Max Actif and Max Actif Plus season tickets and to on business ratesLiberté (with the exception of the card price), Business Première and the key account contracts. The two executives were more than vague about the percentage increase, saying that it depended on the contracts, "The average increase of 5% is applied to all Pro contracts." said Alain Krakovitch. It should be noted that this increase will also affect Intercités services.
More expensive exchanges
From the beginning of February, the conditions for exchanges and refunds will also change, with the free exchange from D-3 to D-6 and the fee from €15 to €19. " This measure will free up seats that passengers no longer want." explained Christophe Fanichet. This measure will generate savings of several tens of millions of euros each year for the railway company.
