The SNCF is a public enterprise regulated by the 1982 Act on public transport in France. A brief look at the regulatory framework within which we operate...

Articles of Association. The SNCF is a state-owned industrial and commercial enterprise, governed by the 1982 Act on public transport in France. The text of its Articles of Association was determined by government decree. Its rights and obligations are set out in a specifications document, which in particular defines the financial contribution made by the government and the pricing rules.

Mission statement. The 1997 railway reforms changed the SNCF's mission. It is responsible for operating rail transport services on the national rail network, providing traffic management services on the national rail network on behalf of RFF and operating and maintaining the associated technical and safety equipment. In order to meet these objectives, SNCF may create subsidiaries and take shareholdings in companies whose corporate object is related or complementary to rail transport.

Regulatory oversight.As a public company, SNCF is subject to a posteriori auditing by the Cour des Comptes (French national audit office). The French government also provides ex ante economic and financial control. This is carried out by the railway’s economic and financial control Commission, a permanent body in the company’s head office. The members formulate written advice on all questions submitted to the Board of Directors and on any issue or planned decision that may affect SNCF’s financial stability.

For more information

Public Transport Act No. 82-1153 dated 30 December 1982
Decree No. 83-109 dated 18 February 1983: SNCF Articles of Association
Decree No 83-817 dated 13 September 1983: SNCF specifications