Record Train Ticket Sales Signal Strong Demand for Winter Holidays
In a remarkable start to the winter holiday season, nearly 1.7 million train tickets were sold in just one day, marking a significant increase in demand compared to previous years. On October 2, 2024, the day ticket sales opened for the end-of-year holidays, the SNCF Connect platform reported a surge in traffic, with up to 9 TGVs filled per minute shortly before 7 AM. This record-breaking activity underscores the French public's continued enthusiasm for train travel and online ticket purchases, with an impressive 15% increase in audience engagement on the SNCF Connect website and app compared to last year.
Despite the high ticket sales, consumers expressed frustration over ticket prices. One user on social media lamented the steep increase in fares, noting that a ticket that cost 85 euros last year was now priced at 151 euros. The SNCF has clarified that while there was a price adjustment earlier in the year due to inflation, ticket prices for the winter holidays were consistent with those throughout the year.
New Player in the French Rail Market: Proxima
In a significant development for the French rail industry, the new private train company Proxima has placed an order for 12 next-generation TGVs from Alstom, valued at nearly 850 million euros. This order includes a 15-year maintenance agreement and aims to enhance high-speed rail connectivity along the Atlantic coast, with plans to launch services by the end of the decade. Proxima's fleet will feature the Avelia Horizon trains, known for their double-deck design and increased seating capacity compared to current TGV models.
Founded by industry veterans Rachel Picard and Timothy Jackson, Proxima aims to differentiate itself from the SNCF with unique service offerings. The company is backed by a substantial investment from Antin Infrastructure Partners, which will support both the train purchase and the establishment of maintenance facilities near Bordeaux. With plans to connect major cities such as Nantes, Bordeaux, Rennes, and Angers to Paris, Proxima is poised to add 10 million new high-speed train seats to the market, promising to reshape the landscape of French rail travel.
