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

 

182,870 thoughts on “Railway Industry in France

  1. Amazing short article. Your article influences a great deal of vital issues of our own modern society. Many of us can not be uninvolved for you to these kind of issues. This specific article presents ideas along with aspects. Quite helpful along with functional. Puravive supplement

  2. ซึ่งมีผู้สร้างกัญชาที่ตั้งจิตใจที่จะเลือกพืชพันธุ์ไม้ที่ให้สีเขียวสดสวยอย่างสมบูรณ์ https://bangweed.net/

  3. I would like to express my respect for your generosity giving support to folks who have the need for help with this theme. Your special commitment to getting the solution across was extraordinarily informative and has all the time helped some individuals much like me to realize their ambitions. The warm and friendly useful information denotes a lot to me and a whole lot more to my office workers. Best wishes; from everyone of us. forex robot

  4. Navigating Global Communication: Leading Translation Agencies in the UK
    In the UK, translation agencies play a vital role in bridging linguistic gaps across borders. From legal documents to marketing materials, these agencies provide expert translation and localization services to ensure seamless communication in diverse languages, catering to the globalized world.
    Translation Agencies UK

  5. As someone who’s always been intimidated by gyms, Smart Strength has been a game-changer for me. The welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff make it easy to feel comfortable and confident.

  6. Orlando uncontested divorce refers to the legal process of ending a marriage in Orlando, Florida, where both spouses agree on all major issues such as division of property, child custody, and support without the need for litigation. This streamlined process typically results in a quicker and more cost-effective resolution compared to contested divorces.
    Orlando Uncontested Divorce

  7. Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can’t help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!THANKS!!!!!! 에볼루션카지노 쿠폰

  8. Slot Trung tâm cá cược trò chơi slot trực tuyến mới nhất cung cấp nhiều lựa chọn trò chơi trực tuyến hay nhất với cơ hội chiến thắng cao

  9. When you need repairs or maintenance done around your home, finding a reliable handyman Dubai is crucial. A skilled handyman can save you time and money by delivering quality service with expertise. Let’s explore the benefits of hiring a handyman in your local area.

  10. Slot Pusat taruhan game slot online terbaru menawarkan berbagai pilihan game online terbaik dengan peluang menang yang tinggi

  11. Foundry Bakehouse’s salads are my go-to for a light and refreshing lunch. Always so crisp and delicious.

  12. Slot Trung tâm cá cược trò chơi slot trực tuyến mới nhất cung cấp nhiều lựa chọn trò chơi trực tuyến hay nhất với cơ hội chiến thắng cao

  13. “Moneygurusite” is your go-to destination for expert financial advice, insightful tips, and practical strategies to level up your money game. Whether you’re looking to boost your savings, invest wisely, or achieve financial freedom, we’ve got you covered. Join our community of savvy money gurus and embark on a journey towards financial success today!

    https://moneygurusite.net/

  14. “Fantastictech.news.blog” is your ultimate destination for the latest updates, trends, and insights in the world of technology. Dive into a world of innovation, where groundbreaking discoveries and cutting-edge advancements are just a click away. Stay informed, inspired, and ahead of the curve with our curated selection of tech news and analysis. Join us on a journey of exploration and discovery as we uncover the wonders of the digital age.

    https://fantastictech.news.blog/

  15. The hotel quality towels I purchased from My Gold Textiles are top-notch. They are so plush and luxurious, just like the towels you find at a five-star hotel.

  16. This is a smart blog. I mean it. You have so much knowledge about this issue, and so much passion. You also know how to make people rally behind it, obviously from the responses. Arina East Residences

  17. Caster drive technology sounds like a game-changer for maneuverability in industrial settings. Can’t wait to see it in action!

  18. The surge of Non-Fungible Tokens NFT News Middle East has begun to make waves in the Middle East, marking a significant shift in the region’s digital art and collectibles landscape. With an increasing number of artists, collectors, and enthusiasts embracing this blockchain-based technology, the Middle East is witnessing a burgeoning NFT scene. From renowned artists exploring digital mediums to startups facilitating NFT trading platforms, the region is experiencing a dynamic intersection of art, technology, and finance.

  19. Your post is very helpful to get some effective tips to reduce weight properly. You have shared various nice photos of the same. I would like to thank you for sharing these tips. Surely I will try this at home. Keep updating more simple tips like this.  Arina East Residences La Ville Enbloc

  20. MAIN55 telah mendarat sebagai pionir dalam dunia perjudian daring, menghadirkan peluang bagi para penggemar slot online untuk mengarungi lautan taruhan yang tak tertandingi. Dengan koleksi game yang menggiurkan, MAIN55 adalah destinasi terbaik untuk mengejar jackpot dan keseruan.

    Setiap putaran gulungan adalah petualangan baru, di mana keberuntungan dan kegembiraan bergabung menjadi satu. Dari slot klasik yang menawan hingga permainan tema yang inovatif, setiap pengalaman di MAIN55 adalah pintu gerbang ke dunia yang penuh warna dan kejutan.

    Namun, MAIN55 bukan hanya tentang taruhan. Ini tentang pengalaman. Dengan layanan pelanggan yang sigap dan ramah, kami menempatkan Anda di jantung segala yang kami lakukan. Dari pertanyaan teknis hingga tips taruhan, kami di sini untuk memastikan setiap momen Anda berharga.

    Jadi, jika Anda siap untuk menikmati keseruan yang tak terbatas dan memburu kemenangan besar, tidak ada tempat yang lebih baik untuk melakukannya daripada di MAIN55. Bergabunglah hari ini dan saksikan bagaimana kami membawa taruhan daring ke level berikutnya.

  21. I absolutely love Dramacool! It’s my go-to destination for all things Asian dramas. From romantic comedies to historical epics, they have it all. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you’re missing out! (Dramacool https://dramacool.ooo/) is a must-visit for any drama enthusiast!

Leave a Reply

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