In a study published this Tuesday, UFC-Que Choisir points out the disparities in train ticket prices depending on the reservation platforms, as well as the obstacles to access to information for consumers.
The UFC-Que Choisir criticizes the lack of transparency on the prices of train tickets, sometimes variable depending on the reservation platform used, in a study published Tuesday which estimates more broadly that “the obstacles to the use of rail transport remain many”.
“The fog” of tariffs
“Access to information, reservations, transparency of pricing and guarantees of safe arrival at the dock are too often lacking.”
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UFC-Que Choisir had also recently highlighted the quality of service and punctuality in regional trains (TER).
Regarding prices, “the fog persists at the time of booking,” writes UFC-Que Choisir in its press release. According to the study, which analyzed 24 national and international connections, prices can diverge for the same train depending on the reservation platform used.
“Normal that there can be a gap”
“A consumer wishing to book a Paris-Stuttgart journey –- a connection jointly operated by SNCF and Deutsche Bahn –– will find that the prices displayed on SNCF Connect and on the Deutsche Bahn website are different,” explains the association.
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SNCF Voyageurs has acknowledged to AFP these price differences which may appear on cross-border journeys operated by two operators.
“As part of cooperation on cross-border trains between France and Germany, the offer from SNCF Voyageurs and DB is regulated. On the other hand, on journeys in Germany it is completely normal that there may be a difference in the prices offered”, indicates SNCF Voyageurs.
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“On its distribution channels, SNCF Voyageurs only offers part of the DB tariff offer. This can therefore lead to price differences, particularly on the various SNCF Voyageurs distribution channels (including SNCF Connect is part),” the company added.
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UFC-Que Choisir also noted that the minimum fares offered for a journey on a given day differed depending on the platforms.
SNCF Voyageurs contests
For example, for a Montpellier-Madrid trip, the cheapest journey will be 142.50 euros on Rome2Rio and 76.99 euros on Trainline. A Paris-Bordeaux will cost at least 55 euros on SNCF Connect compared to 66 euros on Tictactrip.
“All distributors have access to the same prices for SNCF Voyageurs trains,” assured the company, which disputes imposing different prices depending on the sales platforms used.
Another subject raised by UFC-Que Choisir: the impossibility of purchasing a ticket for a company other than SNCF Voyageurs on the SNCF Connect website or application.
“The consumer cannot know from this application either the existence of a journey with a connection abroad, nor that of a Paris-Lyon train operated by Trenitalia.”
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Asked about the case of the non-distribution of Trenitalia on SNCF Connect, SNCF did not wish to comment.
With AFP
