First competitor of the SNCF in high speed in France, Trenitalia celebrates its almost one year in the hexagonal market. The opportunity to get a very positive first assessment according to its president, Roberto Rinaudo.
And in fact, on the Paris-Lyon link, the offer has increased in volume, the total number of passengers has increased while prices have fallen (8% on average according to Trainline).
1 million seats sold in a year
However, the operator acknowledges that there are points to improve: the occupancy rate on the Paris-Lyon section is only 50% while the business clientele, crucial for Trenitalia’s economic model with its three classes on board, has not yet is fully reached (20% of all travelers, 20% also travel both for leisure and work).
The growth in the number of travelers and this clientele will therefore be at the center of the operator’s “challenges” for next year.
Regional connections but in synergy with high speed
On the side of the general public, Trenitalia highlights “that there is nothing planned for 2023 apart from a new stop this winter in Bardonecchia in the Italian Alps”, but explains that it is working on regional connections and to Madrid. “In the TER we will participate in tenders for openings to contest but not all. The idea is to create synergies with our high-speed offer”, explains Roberto Rinaudo.
“As for Paris-Madrid, it is part of our development plan but there is no set date. In any case, developing new lines takes time, we have to study all the limitations”, continues the president.
On the side of the professional traveler, Trenitalia trusts (like the SNCF) in the return of this clientele to the trains. However, the operator indirectly admits that its offer may not be the most attractive. “We are going to review the prices, the distribution channels, the services. We are going to optimize the proposal for this demanding clientele”.
Energy Increase: No Price Increase
Despite an electricity bill that is likely to hit records next year, Trenitalia says it “has no intention of changing its price list” from France. The operator intends to maintain its price advantage over SNCF. “We want to promote the use of the train in general”, prefers to say Roberto Rinaudo.
Remember that the SNCF has announced an average increase in its TGV fares of 5% next year.
Like the French group, Trenitalia is committed to eco-driving trains (taking advantage of the unevenness of the route but it will be necessary to train the drivers), eco-parking (cutting the current at the dock) to save energy.
Source: BFM TV
