There is a lot of talk about the difficulty of booking a ticket or service on the new application SNCF Connect. But what about other European rail companies? A quick look at the applications used by other rail operators is in order. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, we can see that simply buying a ticket from point A to point B is extremely easy for the user. Especially when compared with SNCF Connect. Perhaps this is because all these apps share a common feature: a white background. Admittedly, this consumes more energy, but it also makes...
There is a lot of talk about the difficulty of booking a ticket or service on the new application SNCF Connect. But what about other European rail companies? A quick look at the applications used by other rail operators is in order. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, we can see that simply buying a ticket from point A to point B is extremely easy for the user. Especially when compared with SNCF Connect. Perhaps this is because all these apps share a common feature: a white background. Admittedly, this consumes more energy, but it makes them more visible...
Deutsche Bahn (DB)
The German Federal Railways application is available in the Google Play Store, App Store and even in the Huawei Appgallery under the name DB Navigator.
It offers a host of services, from traditional digital ticket reservation and purchase to real-time information on departure and arrival times.
By registering on the app, you can register a credit card and retrieve all your tickets online. You can also integrate loyalty and discount cards. The application is user-friendly: just enter your destination and arrival point, a date and a time to get a list of trains.
The only minor drawback when entering a ticket request is that if you don't specify whether you simply want to look at timetables, the application will automatically display the trains at the time of the request. You also need to specify after displaying the trains that you want to add a return (at the bottom of the screen). The final fare calculation will then be based on a return journey.
- The benefits The app gives you the composition of the train at the time of departure, so you can find out in advance where your car will stop on the platform. You can also do your own check-in, just like on a plane. This eliminates the need for the ticket inspector on board. You can also buy your ticket on the app within ten minutes of the train's departure. Handy for any late arrivals.
- The big 'Plus' over SNCF Connect You can also buy tickets for public transport at your destination. Some DB fares include an extension ticket for public transport from the station. You can also buy a day ticket or other package under the "Transport Associations" section. 44 public transport companies are available there.
- Weak points: timetable selection. On certain routes that include a foreign route or a route operated by another operator, the app transfers to another DB International site, with the obligation to re-enter all the passenger's details. Another weak point is the impossibility of choosing the exact seat. You can only indicate "window", "corridor", "private compartment" or "lounge". Finally, there are no options for confirming whether or not you want to travel. You have to buy your ticket straight away, and refunds are complicated...
Trenitalia
The application is taking on greater importance for the French with the opening of the Frecciarossa route between Paris, Lyon, Turin and Milan.
Whether you're travelling in France or Italy, the application is very simple and user-friendly. You enter the ticket mode, then select your destinations. When your journey is displayed, you need to specify that you want a return trip. There is no function to add once you have started selecting.
It is very easy to read. The list of prices and trains is displayed with all the offers. The Trenitalia application has recently been revised and improved. You can now see all the trains on the same display, including the regional trains. These are cheaper than the high-speed Frecciarossa trains, as they are much slower.
The application also offers a section for checking real-time train timetables or seeing if there are any difficulties on any part of the network.
- The benefits In all classes, the app allows you to book your individual seat on the map immediately. However, this reservation is not free of charge. This service is also available on Trenitalia's two daily Paris-Lyon trains.
- The big "Plus" over SNCF Connect In addition, you can select "plus services" such as "Standard Area Silenzio" or "Premium". These options can be found under "See other offers".
- Weak points: For some specific tickets - regional offers - sold on the app, there is no explanation of the conditions of use. What's more, most of the information is given in Italian. As a result, the app only has a very simple function for buying tickets for mainline services. Many users have also complained about payment difficulties, but it seems that Trenitalia has been working on solutions and is fine-tuning the system...
SBB
The Federal Railways application has recently been updated. It is extremely user-friendly, with the date, time and fare shown under the chosen route. It should be pointed out, however, that you do not benefit from the half-fare (a season ticket which is in fact reserved for Swiss residents).
The mobile application is simpler than the website because it gives you an overview of all the fares available. On the website, you have to specify each time that you do not have a half-fare ticket and that you want a reduced fare (Supersaver ticket). Passengers can also create their own personalised tactile timetable by entering their busiest destinations.
- The benefits : Train fares in Switzerland are very expensive. But the advantage of buying a full-fare ticket is that it is valid for a given route and not for a specific train. This means you can combine several journeys between your departure and arrival points (for example, a journey from Basel to Lausanne, stopping off in Bern or Neuchâtel if necessary). Reservations on certain trains are possible for a supplement of CHF 5. It is also possible to integrate a city's public transport offer on a single ticket. Finally, any delays or timetable changes are immediately indicated on the app.
- The big "Plus" over SNCF ConnectAll trains display the expected occupancy rate. This means you can see whether or not you'll find a seat without having to make a reservation...
- Weak points: The introductory price displayed below the link always shows a half-fare (generally reserved for Swiss residents with a season ticket). There is still the option of buying a "Supersaver fare". There is one major constraint: you must take the train in the timetable you have selected. Another constraint is that last-minute supersaver tickets are rarely available.
SNCB
The application of the Belgian railways is extremely simple following its updated in 2021. The first page displays all the details you need to book your train, including a section where you can immediately enter your Greenpoints loyalty programme number. When you choose your departure date, you'll find the minimum price offered, based on the low-cost airline model. The page then shows 1st and 2nd class prices for Belgian trains, Thalys and the German ICE.
On the practical side, the SNCB app is probably the easiest to read of the four rail apps, because of its simple design.
- The benefits The application: By opening an account on the application, you can book your train even more quickly, register companions and set booking options.
- The big "Plus" over SNCF Connect The excellent legibility of trains and reserved journeys. Integration of the MoveSafe application, which anticipates train occupancy.
- Weak points: A 'Stations' section shows maps of just five stations, all international. It is not possible to enter the name of another station to view the map.
