While the SNCF is gradually returning to normal activity, users seem to be abandoning the means of rail transport. The company, which has already suffered a severe loss of revenue during confinement, is preparing to experience a complicated summer.

Train ticket sales are not taking off. As announced on Sunday the boss of the SNCF, Jean-Pierre Farandou, the railway group shows a shortfall of 4 billion euros in revenue because of the coronavirus. The TGV alone represents half of the loss and the prospect of summer is not enough to reassure, because the trains are not filling for the moment. The emphasis is therefore on TER, but it is not certain that this is enough.

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Extensive promotion on TER, deserted TGV

SNCF had to reduce its offer on TGV by 5%, because only 8% of the available places on these main lines were reserved for August. In July, the figure is not much more encouraging: only 20% of tickets found takers, despite a campaign of low prices on TGV. Some scheduled trains have therefore been canceled in recent days and all displayed trains are now guaranteed.

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Those affected by this deletion can exchange their ticket at no cost. And for the reluctant, the SNCF launched a promotional offer for TER, with two million tickets from 1 to 10 euros and an extension of regional subscriptions to all other regions in July and August. Special lines will also be created for this summer, such as Deauville-Cabourg or Paris-Mont Saint-Michel.

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But those who are lucky enough to be able to leave this summer are currently booking their vacation spots: at Pierre et Vacances, for example, the month of August is filling up at high speed. The French therefore seem to want to go on vacation, but without taking the train.