Illustration of the SNCF. – PATRICK LEVEQUE / SIPA
The SNCF unveiled on Tuesday an overhaul of its price range on TGV and Intercités, with in particular ceiling prices for holders of a loyalty card even if they book their ticket at the last moment.
The CEO of the SNCF, Jean-Pierre Farandou, wants to “take off the plaster that was installed from the expensive TGV” and opaque pricing, he noted, alluding to Captain Haddock in Tintin. “The TGV must be accessible, readable, simple,” he stressed.
A unique card
Among the seven measures presented, the merger as of this Tuesday of the various Advantage cards (family, senior, young and weekend), which offer a 30% reduction. The new single card, sold like its predecessors at 49 euros for one year, will also offer a 60% reduction for three children and guarantee a capped price for all destinations, even at the last moment – if there is room, of course.
Discount included, the ticket will cost in seconds no more than 39 euros for journeys of less than 1 hour 30 minutes (approximately 25% of trips), no more than 59 euros for journeys between 1 hour 30 minutes and 3 hours (50%) and no more than 79 euros for longer journeys (25%). And 19, 29 and 39 euros respectively for children. But adults aged 28 to 59 won’t be able to enjoy it on weekdays, unless they have kids with them or take a return after the weekend. “Our goal is simple, that all French people buy this card,” said Alain Krakovitch, director of Voyages SNCF (the main lines).
An annual subscription dedicated to teleworking
The SNCF also promises for June 17 a simplification of its grid with the end of “somewhat exotic rates”. In particular, tickets can no longer be cheaper in first class than in second. Customers will also see, for each destination, what are the minimum and maximum prices charged by the company. Inherited from the health crisis, the possibility of exchanging or getting reimbursed for tickets up to three days before departure is perpetuated.
For the start of the school year, the SNCF is announcing an annual subscription dedicated to teleworking, for those who would only travel two or three times a week. It will also simplify its “Frequent Flyer” loyalty program. Finally, at the start of 2022, the company will offer a formula allowing seniors to travel without limitation by TGV from Monday to Friday for 79 euros per month, like the “TGV Max” for 16-27 year olds.