The SNCF put on sale on Tuesday all the places still available on the TGV and Intercités scheduled this summer, including those previously vacant for health reasons, promising low prices and promotion. "These trains are compulsory reservations, SNCF will ensure as far as possible that the least number of travelers not traveling together are seated next to each other," she said in a statement.
>> LIVE - Coronavirus: follow the situation Tuesday, June 2
To reassure travelers who are still frightened by the coronavirus, all tickets (TGV, Ouigo, Intercités and TER in correspondence) will remain exchangeable and reimbursable free of charge until August 31. "Our trains are disinfected on a daily basis and we are now increasing the number of cleaning agents, who disinfect the water points and all contact objects during the journey," assured SNCF Voyages director Alain Krakovitch, quoted in the press release.
Three million tickets at 49 euros maximum
Confirming that there would be no price increase this summer, the SNCF indicates that it will put on sale 3 million tickets at 49 euros maximum "to the main destinations in France". Customers holding a reduction card will also benefit, until the end of August, from an additional 30% reduction for Advantage cards (Young, Senior, Weekend or Family) and an additional 40% reduction for Freedom cards , noted the company. Finally, the Junior & Cie service to accompany the youngest will reopen the weekend of June 20.
CORONAVIRUS ESSENTIALS
> Vaccine, immunity, transmission: four questions still topical on the coronavirus
> Why is hydroxychloroquine rejected by health authorities?
> Coronavirus: 5 mistakes not to make with your mask
> How does StopCovid work? We tested the tracing application in preview
> Statistical corrections, rounded averages ... exceptional measures for the bac 2020
> Why are French nurses among the lowest paid in Europe?
This restart of the commercial machine was made possible after the lifting of the restriction requiring the SNCF to sell only one seat out of two and the ban on journeys of more than 100 km. However, wearing a mask is compulsory.
100% of the transport offer on June 29
SNCF has also clarified its program to ramp up train traffic, which started since the end of confinement on May 11. It now runs an average of 2 TGVs out of 3, nearly 1 Ouigo out of 2 and 1 Intercités out of 2. In mid-June, it will offer 80% of its usual transport plan for these trains, and intends to reach 100% by June 29.
"The French will be able to count on us to support them during this very special summer," assured SNCF Voyageurs CEO Christophe Fanichet, quoted in the press release. "Both economical and ecological, the train is the best solution for traveling through France."