It was a hard blow. Just as Trenitalia was getting off the ground in France, landslides on 27 August in the Maurienne valley forced the Italian company to suspend its two daily Paris-Milan rotations. And a return to normal is not expected before June 2024, by which time the thousands of cubic metres of rock that still threaten the Lyon-Modane railway line and the A43 motorway will have been purged.
" We hope that traffic will pick up again in the summer, when the Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring extra traffic from Italy." says Roberto Rinaudo, Chairman of Trenitalia France, interviewed on Wednesday during a trip by Frecciarossa between Paris and Lyon. " It took come to terms with itbecause the alternative solutions envisaged to reach Milan via Switzerland or Ventimiglia were not realistic, respectively for questions train homologation or doubled journey times" he admits.
The three daily services between Paris-Lyon station and the capital of the Gauls (see box) were also under threat for a time, but have now been able to continue. maintained by carrying out the lightest maintenance operations in a workshop close to Paris. For heavier maintenance, the trains are exchanged via Ventimiglia. Nevertheless, Trenitalia hopes to re-use its entire fleet operating in France in the coming months.
More frequencies for Business customers
" We could increase our frequencies on the Paris-Lyon route" Roberto Rinaudo, who will have to apply to the infrastructure manager for new train paths. Trenitalia could also make similar requests. on other roads in France, and even internationally, to Brussels and Amsterdam in particular. " Trenitalia aims to expand in France and Europeconfirms the manager. The company is currently carrying out a technical and economic study of the routes we could be opening in the near future." . However, we will have to wait a few more months before any announcement is made.
In the meantime, Trenitalia can pride itself on having successfully established itself. Average load factors flirted with 85% on the Paris-Milan route and stood at 65% on the Paris-Lyon route, where there is most room for improvement. And in particular with business customers which represent 46% of passengers, including 24% for bleisure combining business and leisure during their stay. " The current focus is on distribution channels to make it easier for companies to book their tickets." explains Fabrice Toledano, Trenitalia's Marketing and Sales Director for France.
Technological developments are underway with Amadeus and several agreements signed with TMCs including Amex GBT and Havas Voyages. " Tomorrow we will have more business travellers on board our trains. They currently book directly on our site, which is not usual for companies, or use Trainlinewhich works to our advantage when we display the various offers." says this sales manager.
According to a study carried out by this online distributor, the opening up to competition has already reduced fares by almost 10% on the Paris-Lyon route. " We are fortunate to have companies and travel agencies pushing to work with us because of a good value for money and excellent word-of-mouth about our product, whether in Standard, Business or, of course, Executive. "says Fabrice Toledano. And Roberto Rinaudo concludes by pointing out that " Trenitalia aims to make a difference by offering a travel experience that is more than just a transport service." .
