Regional Express Transport Faces Challenges Amid Rising Demand
In 2023, regional express transport (TER) was utilized by over 378 million passengers, yet a recent report from the Court of Auditors highlights that the service quality remains below expectations. Despite a significant increase in demand—TER traffic doubled between 1995 and 2012 and saw a 50% increase in passenger-kilometers from 2017 to 2023—the quality of service has deteriorated. The report emphasizes the urgent need for SNCF Voyageurs to enhance its offerings to meet customer expectations.
Quality of Service Declines with Increased Delays and Cancellations
The report paints a concerning picture of punctuality and reliability within the TER system. Delays affect up to 15% of trains in regions like Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, with the SNCF only accounting for delays over five minutes. The situation worsened in 2023, with scheduled trains failing to arrive one in ten times in 2019, now reduced to one in twenty. This decline in service reliability not only frustrates passengers but also poses a significant barrier to the growth of TER ridership, as noted by the Court.
Financial Implications and the Push for Competition
The financial repercussions of poor service are evident, with the Court warning that uncertainty limits passenger growth and undermines public investment in the system. To address these issues, regions have increased incentives and penalties for SNCF, from €24.5 million in 2019 to €43.2 million in 2023. Furthermore, the report discusses the ongoing transition to competition in the local transport sector, which has seen limited progress since its initiation in 2019, with only two lines awarded to competitors. The Court calls for improved collaboration between SNCF and regional authorities to enhance service delivery and meet user expectations.
