Growth of traffic, innovative services and intermodality: a new type of public transport is on the way.

The TER dynamic is launched The French public transport market has grown by an average of 2% per year in the last 5 years. TER (regional train services) stand out with significantly greater growth in traffic: + 6.5% in 2005, + 8.6% in 2006, even + 12% in some regions and + 4.2% for the Transilien service. This success is as a result of the revolution in services available, boosted by the regional councils. More than 6000 TER, 45% of them new or refurbished, serve France's regions every day, with almost 60 tailor-made fares, the latest multimodal ticketing and information services and a close customer relationship.

Initial assessment The regionalisation of public transport, tested in 1997 then rolled out in 2002, is now turning a corner with the renegotiation of agreements. Thirteen were due for renewal at the end of 2006, and negotiations with the regional councils are moving foward. The assessment of the first generation is positive: between 2002 and 2006, traffic increased by 21.5%. But the context has changed. In 5 years, the commissioning authorities have learned a lot about railway matters, in terms of techniques, costs and services. They have now mastered the role-sharing business model, and compare the SNCF to other operators and to regional key players in neighbouring countries. The new agreements are more than just a simple renewal of contracts.

Second generation: new ambitions The issue is how to incorporate the new demands of the regional authorities and strengthen SNCF's commitment. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region took the first step on 11 December, and renegotiations are continuing apace. Those for Transilien alone represent 40% of turnover for SNCF Proximités .
All of the second generation agreements involve the same proactive approach: growth in traffic (30 to 50% over 5 years), innovations in service (ticketing, passenger information and accessibility for people with reduced mobility) and improving multimodality.
In return, the agreements require commitment from the SNCF on the quality of service (consistency, security, comfort on board and, first and foremost, safety) or, failing this, penalties and a reduction in regional contributions.