If the Omicron variant gives airlines a cold sweat, SNCF remains optimistic.
"
We have sold more than 3 million train tickets for the Christmas holidays, this is more than in 2020 with the Covid, than in 2019 with the strike and even more than in 2018, which is our last year. reference
”, announced the CEO of SNCF Jean-Pierre Farandou, this morning on
France Info
.
Read alsoSNCF Connect, the digital weapon to better fill the trains
"
There is a big frustration of the French: we feel that they really want to go on vacation,
" he said. Among the privileged destinations, he mentioned the Atlantic and Mediterranean facades, Alsace and of course the Alps. This winter, France could delight the French, afraid of border closures. To date, tickets purchased from SNCF are refundable and exchangeable up to three days before departure. This period is not intended to be reduced. Also asked about the price of train tickets, Jean-Pierre Farandou said there would be no increase next year. “
They have not increased for several years in a row. I want everyone to be able to access TGVs
», He affirmed.
Note that the price of TER depends on the region.
Read alsoThe SNCF is betting on low prices to meet its financial objectives
In the red to the tune of 780 million euros in the first half of 2021 (-2.4 billion euros in the first half of 2020), SNCF's accounts should improve this half-year.
“
We had not anticipated the spring confinement in the accounts for the first half of the year.
But
since the start of the school year, things have been improving.
On a normal day we are almost at equilibrium and we find levels close to those of 2019
", explained its CEO, who aims for balance in 2022."
At this stage [if the situation remains unchanged], I do not 'I don't need new financial aid from the state
”.
He said he was confident in the future of the train.
