It's almost an open secret.
After four years without an increase (since 2017), everything suggests that the price of the Navigo subscription (and other transport tickets) will increase, probably from September 2022. This is in any case the feeling of many observers, and analysis made by transport user associations.
“Given the financial situation of Île-de-France Mobilités
(IDFM),
an increase seems inevitable, believes Marc Pélissier, president of the Association of transport users of Île-de-France (AUT-IDF).
We are not against a normal development, of a few euros, provided of course that we return to a 100% transport offer.
"
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The effects of the Covid-19 crisis have dealt a very severe blow to the financing model of Ile-de-France transport.
The loss of revenue from travelers and the fall in the mobility payment, this tax paid by businesses in the Ile-de-France region, represents a colossal shortfall of 1.3 billion euros.
To complete its 2022 budget, IDFM benefited from a State loan of 800 million euros and had to borrow on the markets some 2.8 billion ... The regional authority is also trying to make some savings on costs, by reducing the number of bus, metro or RER passages… This “light offer” will continue for a few more months.
"An increase of around 5% in Navigo" would be "legitimate"
"But for us, what matters is the quality of service," underlines Arnaud Bertrand, of the Plus de trains association.
This has a cost, and it would be legitimate for users to participate, in reasonable proportions, with an increase of around 5% in Navigo, if only to cover inflation.
"
Until now, Valérie Pécresse, the reelected president of IDFM, has always declared that she refused to increase - for the moment - the prices of Navigo.
"Between the regional campaign in 2021 and that of the presidential election in 2022", the subject is discreetly put on hold.
"There is however urgency, abounds Marc Pélissier.
IDFM will not have the means to delay this increase for another year.
"
Arnaud Bertrand regrets that the Ile-de-France elected officials do not have the political courage to address the subject frankly.
“We are not for free, it would be a disaster.
And it is still a shame that it is the users who are trying to fuel the debate on the price increase!
», He wonders.