SNCF: here are the train ticket prices that will rise and those that will be frozen

After several weeks of estimating the growth of its costs, in particular due to a sharp increase in energy prices, the ax fell. SNCF will increase prices by an average of 5% for its TGVs and Intercités in 2023. “In 2023, we will face an additional cost of 13%, so we will incur more than half of it. We could have cut the offer or abandoned our investment, we didn’t want to. We want to continue to develop the offer by continuing to offer attractive fares,” emphasizes Christophe Fanische, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs.

In accordance with the request of the Minister of Transport Clément Beaune, in order to protect the “most modest”, SNCF Voyageurs will establish a “tariff shield” for individuals. The “minimum prices” that were in effect at the opening of sales will not change. Similarly, the entire Ouigo price list is frozen. “Next year we will still have more than a million tickets for high-speed trains for less than 25 euros,” insists Alain Krakovic, director of TGV Intercités.

Carte Avantage prices (49 euros) and its benefits will also remain unchanged. This allows you to receive, depending on the case, a 30% discount on TGV and Intercités or distance-limited prices of €39, €59 and €79. “We guarantee that by September 2023 the ceilings will not change,” says Alen Krakovic. The same applies to the TGV Max Jeune and Senior cards. So much for “protecting the vulnerable” in the words of Christophe Fanische. “The shield is interesting,” said judge Bruno Gazo, president of the national federation of associations of transport users (FNAUT). This will help those in need who travel from time to time. »

Less favorable exchange and return conditions

The increases will affect the “top prices” that travelers suffer when booking at the last moment, which will increase “for the first time in eight years,” Alain Krakovich emphasizes. First of all, SNCF prefers to pay more attention to professional clients. All Business Premiere tickets will automatically increase by 5%, as will the prices of Liberté, Max Actif and Max Actif+ subscriptions.

Be careful, whether professional or entertainment tickets, the increase will not necessarily be capped at 5%. Depending on the lines or schedule, the flight can be much longer. “We remember that growth averages 5%. Sometimes it will be lower, sometimes higher than this percentage,” insists Christophe Fanische. Adjustments will be made through “yield management,” a marketing technique that allows prices to change based on demand and shipping approach. “We want complete transparency on how it works and an accurate understanding of the increase,” says Bruno Gazo. Sometimes it will be maybe +20%, we need to understand why. »

The last measure in the end: the development of exchange and return conditions for all travelers. Due to the health crisis, SNCF Voyageurs has allowed exchange or free compensation up to three days before departure. This period will be extended from February to a maximum of 7 days before the date of departure. “We are seeing an explosion of cancellations between D-6 and D-3,” emphasizes Alain Krakovic. However, the current context allows people to have better visibility. »

Bruno Gazo “understands” this development, but argues that it is necessary to distinguish between exchange and mere annulment. “Because we are exchanging, we are paying a higher ticket price due to yield management,” he maintains. I think that it should be left free of charge even three days before departure. »