Railway Industry in France

TGV 1

1. Industry Overview:

In France, one of the most popular transport modes is train.  SNCF is France’s national railway, providing high speed, overnight and local services in France and beyond into Spain, Switzerland and Italy.

>> http://www.tgv-europe.com/en

Types of Train in France:

01-TGV

02-Lunea

03-Teoz

04-TER

06-Intercites

Railway industry is quite similar to airline industry, as it sells seats for a transport from an origin to a destination. The price depends on journey, class, and date of booking. Thus, railway industry can be placed in Quadrant 2, where its service has variable prices for a predictable duration. This industry also has the appropriate characteristics to apply revenue management strategies. Those characteristics are:

– Inflexible capacity: the number of seats on a train is fixed

– Variable and uncertain demand: the demand is different depending on the time of day, day of week, origin-destination pairs, and purpose of travel

– Perishable inventory: the unoccupied seat cannot be inventoried, and the revenue of that seat is missed

– Low marginal cost and high production cost

– Product can be sold in advance

– Heterogeneous customers with different segments, varying by age, purpose of travel, independent or group, etc.

However, there are some differences that make the revenue management of railway industry is little bit different than that of airline industry.

More difficult to forecast demand and to have the accurate number of travelers on a service: no check-in procedure, open tickets (rail pass) generally allow passengers to travel on any rail service, walk up tickets are very common (a large number of passengers purchase their tickets on the day from the station)

Less difficult to deal with overbooking: passengers are often allowed to stand during train journeys hence increasing capacity beyond the number of seats

———

 2. Space

Railway industry defines space implicitly.

Normally, a train has two classes: Economy (2nd Class) and Comfort (1st Class). The seating options and services are different for each class. The price is same for different seating options in a class.

 Economy Class:
01-Class2
 Comfort Class:

01-Class 1

Trains, especially TGV has “TGV bar”, which provides a wide selection of meals and sweet snacks available for purchase. Additionally, the TGV bar offers films on DVD, magazines, games for children, Paris Metro tickets, even USB sticks for purchase. There is also a rolling snack cart that comes to the customers’ seats.

01-TGV Bar

For additional revenue, TGV offers Premium service includes 1st Class seat, meal service, and access to the TGV lounge at the train stations.

Personally, I would charge difference fares for different seating options in each class. A group will want to pay more to have a Club 4 seat. A couple will want the Duo seat or Club 2 seat. And an individual traveler will want a solo seat. As the number of seat are fixed, we can charge for each option, rather than a “first comes first served” policy.

I’m also thinking about a mini-cinema on train, especially overnight train. Normally, the overnight train have load factor less than 80%, so the train can use one car to transform into a mini-cinema with a projector and a screen. When the train is busy, the car will be transformed in normal guest car again.

——

3. Time

Railway industry defines time implicitly.

Although the duration of a journey is determined, the railway industry sells a journey rather than specifically selling time. In addition, there may be issues that cause the increase/decrease in duration of the journey.

However, the railway industry also tries to sell time explicitly with the Rail pass. With Rail pass, customers can have unlimited travel on the national rail network of France for a fixed number of days. The choices are 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9-day pass within a one-month period. Travel days may be used consecutively or non-consecutively.  Thus, the fare becomes rate-per-day, not anymore rate-per-trip.

>> http://www.raileurope.com/rail-tickets-passes/france-pass/index.html

The industry can sell time explicitly by providing Rail pass with weekly or monthly unit. However, I think it will not be effective as it makes the demand forecasting much more complicated.  Half-day unit won’t make sense as a trip is normally more than 3 hours.

——–

4. Price

Tickets can be purchased 60 to 120 days in advance depending on the route.

Ticket discounts are based on advance purchase, availability, and certain restrictions. Everyone is eligible to receive discounted fares by purchasing an Economy or Comfort class ticket in advance. Youth and seniors can enjoy specific discounts as well. Discounted tickets are available for youth (under 26 of age), seniors (age 60 and over) and children (generally ages 4-11) but should be verified with each product.

Price at 1 week before departure
01-Price-1st class-10AM-1wk

Price at 2 weeks before departure

01-Price-1st class-10AM-2wk

Price at 3 weeks before departure

01-Price-1st class-10AM-3wk

Price at 4 weeks before departure

01-Price-1st class-10AM-4wk

Normally, prices are reduced for 1or 2 week-advanced purchase, slightly reduced for 3-week-advanced purchased, and stay same for more-than-4-week-advanced purchase.

The physical rate fences are the classes:
01-Booking-Class

 

The non-physical rate fences are age, season ticket, and loyalty

01-Booking-Rate Fences-1

01-Booking-Rate Fences-2

01-Booking-Rate Fences-3

01-Booking-Rate Fences-4

As the rate fences are now already too sophisticated, I would rather consolidate these fences than create new fences to confuse customers.

 

(-Thao Ly)

——–

References:

http://www.raileurope.com

http://www.tgv-europe.com

http://www.sncf.co.uk/

Amstrong and Messneir, 2010. Railway revenue management: Overview and Methods

Schroeder, Braun, and Schnieder. Revenue management in the railway industry

 

205,691 thoughts on “Railway Industry in France

  1. I genuinely believed you would probably have something useful to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you can fix if you were not too busy looking for attention. After all, I know it was my choice to read.. Apply to thailand elite

  2. You made such an interesting piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain knowledge. Thanks for sharing the such information with us to read this. 안전놀이터

  3. At Yakiniku Like about, customers can grill their own meat at their table. The restaurant offers a wide variety of meats to choose from, including beef, pork, chicken, and seafood. Yakiniku Like also offers a variety of vegetables and side dishes.

  4. I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work 안전놀이터

  5. The railway industry in France is truly impressive. With its extensive high-speed rail network (TGV) and a commitment to innovation, France has set the standard for efficient and sustainable transportation in Europe. Thank You acustomboxes.com

  6. I am impressed. I don’t think Ive met anyone who knows as much about this subject as you do. You are truly well informed and very intelligent. You wrote something that people could understand and made the subject intriguing for everyone. Really, great blog you have got here. quality backlinks

  7. Je pense que c’est un article informatif et il est très utile et compétent. par conséquent, je tiens à vous remercier pour les efforts que vous avez déployés pour rédiger cet article. cliquez ici

  8. Lube Tradeways is authorized CFA’s of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited. With an aim to provide qualitative HP authorized distributor services to our clients, We are one of the India’s forefront oil majors that deal with all types of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Lubricant and grease.

  9. Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Spending some time and actual effort to produce a really good article… but what can I say… I put things off a whole lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.
    카지노사이트

  10. the Panerai Luminor Due

    The Zenith Defy Classic is a masterpiece of Swiss watchmaking, blending innovative design with precision engineering. Its striking angular case, openworked dial, and in-house Elite movement set it apart as a symbol of modern horological excellence. Crafted with innovative materials like titanium and ceramic, it marries durability with style. With Super-LumiNova markers for easy reading and a variety of customizable options, the Zenith Defy Classic is not just a timepiece; it’s a statement of contemporary luxury.

  11. What i do now not realise is sincerely the way you’re now not in reality an entire lot extra properly-preferred than you is probably proper now. You are so practical. You realize for this reason notably referring to this difficulty, made me in my view preserve in thoughts it from so many numerous angles. Its like women and men aren’t involved until it’s one problem to do with Lady gaga! Your very own stuffs exceptional. Always keep it up! poppers

  12. “Welcome to our Hands Made Goods Store! Discover a world of craftsmanship and creativity as you explore our curated selection of handcrafted treasures. From exquisite jewelry and unique home decor to one-of-a-kind gifts, our artisans pour their passion into every creation.
    The Flow You Know Handmade Goods
    Whether you’re looking for that perfect statement piece or a heartfelt gift, our store is a haven for quality, authenticity, and artistry. Join us on a journey of handmade excellence, and support the artisans who make it all possible. Explore our store today and experience the true essence of craftsmanship!”

  13. The following time I learn a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to learn, but I really thought youd have one thing attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you could possibly repair if you happen to werent too busy on the lookout for attention. ufabet เข้าสู่ระบบ

  14. Hi. Your website receives a lot of comments and is updated frequently.
    Discover a world of intrigue and paranormal wonder at Glen Tavern Haunted Hotels. Nestled in the heart of history, our haunted hotels offer a unique and chilling experience for those brave enough to seek it. Uncover the secrets of the past as you journey through the ghostly legends that shroud these historic properties.

    Whether you’re a dedicated paranormal enthusiast or a curious traveler, Glen Tavern Haunted Hotels promise an unforgettable and spine-tingling adventure. Reserve your stay today to step into a realm where history and hauntings converge!”
    Also Visit Us: Crypto book for beginners

  15. Because we are in the transportation business and active as a car service from San Diego to LAX we believe this comprehensive overview of France’s railway industry is informative and thought-provoking. The author has a deep understanding of the industry and its nuances. The breakdown of industry characteristics, space, time, and pricing strategies provides valuable insights into the complex world of rail travel.

    The proposal to charge different fares for different seating options in each class is a practical and customer-centric approach. It recognizes the diverse preferences of travelers and allows for a more personalized experience. The idea of a mini-cinema on overnight trains is innovative and could enhance the passenger experience while optimizing underutilized space.

    Additionally, the discussion on Rail passes and their impact on fare structures adds depth to the analysis. Considering explicit time-based fare options highlights the potential for evolving pricing strategies to meet changing customer needs.

    Overall, this article thoroughly examines the railway industry in France and presents intriguing ideas for improving the passenger experience and revenue management.

  16. Thank you for visiting our platform dedicated to trends and the world of financial markets! We offer trustworthy, current insights into the trends shaping global investments and trade. Our team of experts delivers market analyses, predictions, and valuable advice suitable for traders of all experience levels. Our platform boasts a diverse array of resources, including articles, market reviews, and educational materials. Our primary aim is to empower you to make well-informed decisions and reach your financial aspirations. Become part of our global trading community today!
    cryptohopper review

  17. Buy Exotic Pets for sale near Canada & USA | We Ship & Deliver
    Exotic Pets For Sale. Exotic Pets Online is a trusted store in US and Canada. We have exotic pets for sale online. Buy Exotic Animals near Canada and USA!
    exotic pets online for sale

  18. Thank you for sharing this insightful blog post about the railway industry in France. It’s fascinating to learn about the various aspects of the industry, such as the different types of trains and the revenue management strategies employed. The information provided is quite comprehensive and gives a good overview of the railway system in France. By the way, if you’re interested in adding a touch of character to your space, you might want to check out Neonific at http://www.neonific.com. They offer customized LED neon signs in an endless range of colors, styles, and sizes Whether it’s for your home, restaurant, bar, or cafe, Neonific has you covered. You can even design your very own custom neon sign using their neon sign customizer. It’s a great way to make your space stand out and leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *