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

 

177,231 thoughts on “Railway Industry in France

  1. Astagfirullah, artikel ini kayak nge-remix lagu lama jadi kekinian banget! Gak sabar nunggu next cari article yang mungkin bakal bikin kepala joget!

  2. Sumpah, artikel guide ini kayak ngenalin aku sama sisi seru dari topik yang sebelumnya cuma aku anggep meh. Makasih udah bawain versi yang jauh lebih lit!

  3. Baca artikel pinshape ini rasanya kayak lagi dapet update-an dari friend yang selalu ada buat share hal-hal keren. Keep the vibes coming, mate!

  4. Gak heran kalo baca artikel ini rasanya kayak lagi ngobrol sama temen yang asik banget. Pokoknya vibes-nya bener-bener nge-credly, ya!

  5. New88 – Thế Giới Game Giải Trí Hấp Dẫn Uy Tín Hàng Đầu. https://new88.domains/ có bề dày lịch sử đáng tự hào với uy tín lâu năm. Cổng game là lựa chọn lý tưởng cho những ai muốn tìm sân chơi trực tuyến nhiều ưu đãi.

  6. Mostbet je populární platforma pro online sázení, která nabízí mnoho možností pro ty, kteří se zajímají o sport. Na stránkách Mostbetu najdete široký výběr sportovních událostí, včetně fotbalu, tenisu, basketbalu a mnoha dalších. Díky spolehlivé práci a pohodlnému rozhraní si Mostbet získala reputaci jednoho z lídrů v oblasti online sázení. Klikněte nyní na odkaz a získejte lukrativní bonus k zahájení hry: https://miuys.online/mostbet-cz.html

  7. This is the first time I am visiting here. I found so much interesting stuff in your blog, especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles. I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! Keep up the good work.
    cleaning services edmonton

  8. Thank you for your site post. Velupe and I happen to be saving for just a new book on this subject and your article has made us all to save money. Your opinions really responded all our issues. In fact, above what we had thought of ahead of the time we came across your great blog. I no longer nurture doubts including a troubled mind because you totally attended to each of our needs here. Thanks https://bontanny.com/products/bontanny-moving-pro-series-red-therapy-light-device

  9. Untuk game slot paling banyak peminat yang tersedia di Login link alternatif ligaciputra
    Yggdrasil antara lain seperti Vikings Go Berzerk, Double Dragons, Orient Express,Hypernova 10K Ways, Calavera Crush, Bug Money, Jokerizer, Casino Zeppelin, Champions Of Rome, 9k Yekti, Valley Of The God, E- Force, Hades, Hemz Split, Lucha Maniacs, Water Blox dan Golden Fish Tank.

  10. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. VyVymanga

  11. I have been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this sort of house . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this info So i am satisfied to show that I’ve a very just right uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I such a lot for sure will make sure to don’t disregard this site and provides it a look on a constant. micromodule fiber cable

  12. 池袋で弁護士をお探しの方、当事務所は池袋で民事、家事、刑事、顧問弁護士など、幅広い分野を扱う総合法律事務所です。経験豊富な弁護士が、的確なアドバイスと迅速な対応でお手伝いいたします。お困りごとがあれば、まずはお気軽にご相談ください。池袋駅徒歩5分、東池袋駅徒歩3分、東池袋四丁目駅徒歩5分、南池袋公園、豊島区役所至近にある法律事務所です。
    池袋 弁護士

  13. Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work! pttogel

  14. rental mobil surabaya

    Halo dari tim OmahTrans! Kami adalah penyedia layanan sewa mobil terkemuka di Surabaya, yang bertekad untuk memberikan solusi transportasi yang nyaman dan terjangkau untuk Anda. Dengan armada mobil berkualitas dan layanan yang ramah, kami hadir untuk menjadikan perjalanan Anda di Surabaya lebih menyenangkan.

  15. Sell a gold IRA Our guide simplifies the process. Evaluate your financial goals and tax implications before selling. Choose a reputable dealer for the best buyback value and smooth transaction. Understand how to move funds or take a cash distribution, including Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). Coordinate with your custodian for paperwork and transactions. Options for receiving funds include ACH, check, or wire transfer. Tax implications vary between traditional and Roth IRAs. Comply with RMDs to avoid penalties. Consider in-kind distributions as an alternative to selling. With careful planning, liquidating your gold IRA can be straightforward and beneficial.

  16. I am usually to blogging and i also truly appreciate your articles. This great article has truly peaks my interest. I will bookmark your site and keep checking for first time info.

  17. gift ideas

    We ❤️ Starbucks. We curate, collect & make Starbucks Merchandise, Limited items, and Collectibles available to everyone around the world 🌏 🌟

  18. Sports cars are exhilarating machines designed for speed, agility, and performance. They’re the epitome of automotive excitement, often characterized by sleek designs, powerful engines, and tight handling. From iconic models like the Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette to exotic offerings like the Lamborghini Huracan and Ferrari 488, sports cars come in various shapes and sizes, catering to enthusiasts with different tastes and preferences. Whether tearing up the track or cruising along scenic roads, sports cars offer a thrilling driving experience that captivates both drivers and onlookers alike. What specifically about sports cars are you interested “https://www.carwale.com

Leave a Reply

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