After several weeks of assessing the rise in its costs, in particular because of soaring energy prices, the ax fell.
The SNCF will increase its prices by 5% on average for its TGV and Intercités in 2023. “We are facing an additional cost of 13% in 2023, so we will bear more than half of it.
We could choose to reduce the offer or give up our investments, we did not want it.
We want to pursue the development of the offer, while continuing to offer attractive fares,” underlines Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs.
In accordance with the request of the Minister Delegate for Transport, Clément Beaune, to protect "the most modest", SNCF Voyageurs will set up a "tariff shield" for individuals.
The "minimum prices", those practiced 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 high-speed tickets at less than 25 euros,” insists Alain Krakovitch, director of TGV Intercités.
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The prices of the Carte Avantage (49 euros) and its benefits will also remain unchanged.
It allows to obtain, depending on the case, 30% reduction on TGV and Intercités, or prices capped according to the distance at 39 euros, 59 euros and 79 euros.
"We guarantee that the ceilings will not change by September 2023," says Alain Krakovitch.
The same applies to the TGV Max Jeune and senior cards.
So much for the “protection of sensitive populations”, in the words of Christophe Fanichet.
“The shield is interesting, judge Bruno Gazeau, president of the national federation of transport user associations (FNAUT).
It will help individuals in need who travel occasionally.
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Less advantageous exchange and refund conditions
The increases will concern the "maximum prices", those that travelers suffer by booking at the last moment, which will increase "for the first time in eight years", wishes to underline Alain Krakovitch.
Above all, the SNCF chooses to put most of the effort on professional customers.
All “Business Premiere” tickets will automatically increase by 5%, as will the prices of the “Liberté”, “Max Actif” and “Max Actif +” subscriptions.
Be careful, whether for professional or leisure tickets, the increase will not necessarily be limited to 5%.
Depending on the lines or schedules, the flight could be much greater.
“We remember that the increase is 5% on average.
Sometimes it will be below, sometimes beyond this percentage, ”insists Christophe Fanichet.
The adjustments will be made thanks to "yield management", a marketing technique that allows prices to change according to demand and the departure approach.
“We want total transparency on how it works, and precisely understand the increases, claims Bruno Gazeau.
Sometimes it will be maybe +20%, we need to understand why.
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Last measure finally: the development of the conditions of exchange and refund for all travelers.
With the health crisis, SNCF Voyageurs had allowed exchange or free reimbursement up to three days before departure.
This period will be passed, from January 10, to 7 days maximum, before the date of departure.
“We are seeing an explosion of cancellations between D - 6 and D - 3, underlines Alain Krakovitch.
However, the current context allows individuals to have better visibility.
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Bruno Gazeau “understands” this development but affirms that it is necessary to distinguish the exchange and the simple cancellation.
“Since when we exchange, then we pay a more expensive ticket because of yield management, he supports.
I think it should be left free of charge, even three days before departure.
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