The branch of the SNCF in charge of the stations is in a financial impasse which calls for a reaction from the State
because its income does not cover the investment needs, estimates the Court of Auditors in a report published on Tuesday, April 20.
A quality of service to be improved, in particular in small stations
Gares & Connexions is a young public limited company, a 100% subsidiary of SNCF Réseau, and responsible for the operation and maintenance of 3,017 French stations (including 32 without any passengers in 2018). It was created on January 1, 2020 from the grouping of buildings, which depended on the former SNCF Mobilités, and platforms, glass roofs and walkways, which belonged to SNCF Réseau.
The company’s offer would benefit from being better defined, and the quality of the service provided improved
, especially in the smallest stations, judges the Court of Auditors. She cites indicators limited in number and sometimes not very relevant in their definition, (some) objectives that are still not very restrictive and […] a system of financial incentives whose effects remain weak
.
SNCF Gares & Connexions derives its income from fees paid by railway companies – mainly SNCF Voyageurs – and from commercial concessions.
In principle, this economic model should allow the company to cover its operating costs and generate an operating margin to finance station investments. However, it suffers from several weaknesses that hamper its effectiveness.
, point out the wise men of the rue Cambon.
The fee system is opaque, unequal and too favorable to carriers, while Gares & Connexions’ limited financial leeway prevents it from fully investing, they believe. And, they add, when the company allies itself with private promoters, it is the latter who capture a large part of the value generated by projects
.
Hence the need to improve performance to offer the best service to carriers and travelers at the best price
, they point out: Gares & Connexions will have to convince its interlocutors that it remains the best able to manage the stations
, including those that could be transferred to the regions.
An increase in state subsidies recommended
The Court of Auditors also advocates a reform of the royalty system to improve self-financing capacity
of the station manager.
Above all, it calls for an increase in State subsidies, in particular for the maintenance of historic buildings, especially since the needs have increased more than the resources with the integration last year of the quays, walkways and large passenger halls previously. managed by SNCF Réseau.
Today, the State does not take charge of the financing of bonds for which it is nevertheless responsible, for a heritage which belongs to it and of which Gares & Connexions is only the beneficiary.
, she believes.
The question of financing station investments must also be part of a reflection by all stakeholders on the future of stations and their development.
in their environment, she adds.
The company is facing major investments scheduled until 2024, but these are already 60% supported by the regions and the State. The debt remains reasonable and these investments should generate income in the years to come, we told SNCF.
In his response to the Court of Auditors, Prime Minister Jean Castex said share (r) the main findings
and some of his recommendations
, concerning station services, the growing imbalance between the station manager’s resources, his costs and his financing needs.
The performance contract between the State and Gares & Connexions, expected by the end of the year, will make it possible to determine relevant guidelines depending on the type of station in terms of service offer and (to) improve economic performance
, he adds.
He advises a structural transformation of the sector
and the increased search for productivity gains
to balance the books, rejecting both an increase in the fees paid by the companies and a massive subsidization of Gares & Connexions by the State.
– .
