UFC-Que Choisir Exposes Lack of Transparency in Train Ticket Pricing
In a recent study published on October 1, 2024, consumer association UFC-Que Choisir has raised serious concerns regarding the lack of transparency in train ticket pricing across various booking platforms. The report highlights that prices can vary significantly for the same journey depending on the platform used, leading to confusion and potential overcharging for consumers. The association emphasizes that obstacles to using rail transport remain numerous, including issues with access to information, booking, and the clarity of pricing.
The study analyzed 24 national and international train connections, revealing that a traveler booking a Paris-Stuttgart journey, jointly operated by SNCF and Deutsche Bahn, may encounter different prices on SNCF Connect compared to the Deutsche Bahn website. SNCF Voyageurs has acknowledged these discrepancies, explaining that the pricing structure for cross-border journeys is regulated but can still lead to variations.
Significant Price Discrepancies
UFC-Que Choisir's study also noted significant price differences for other routes. For instance, a Montpellier-Madrid trip could cost 142.50 euros on Rome2Rio but only 76.99 euros on Trainline. Similarly, a Paris-Bordeaux journey could be priced at 55 euros on SNCF Connect versus 66 euros on Tictactrip. Despite assurances from SNCF Voyageurs that all distributors have access to the same rates, the lack of uniformity in pricing raises questions about the transparency of the booking process.
Another critical issue highlighted is the inability of consumers to purchase tickets for companies other than SNCF Voyageurs through the SNCF Connect platform. This limitation prevents users from discovering alternative routes, such as a Paris-Lyon train operated by Trenitalia, further complicating the travel planning process. UFC-Que Choisir has called for improvements in the overall transparency and accessibility of train ticket information to enhance consumer confidence in rail travel.
