Record-breaking train attendance levels in France experienced during the year 2024
Riding the Rails: France's Train Usage Soars to a Record Third Year in a Row - Here's Why!
France's train travel has broken yet another record, surging ahead for the third consecutive year in 2024, according to the Regulatory Authority for Transport (ART). This upward trend in railway transportation has been evident since the COVID-19 pandemic, as per the ART's Annual Report published on June 19.
A notable 6% jump in passengers was recorded in 2024 compared to 2023. This escalation is a mirror image of the boost seen in the previous year. The enthusiasm for train travel was predominantly fueled by regional trains, particularly TER services and Intercity trains, which experienced a 11% surge in ridership.
Olympics and the Pass Rail Factor
The summer travel season bolstered the numbers significantly, thanks to the Olympic Games and the Pass Rail. The latter offered an unlimited ride pass for €49 per month for young people aged 16 to 27 on regional trains. As a result, the average train occupancy rate continued to thrive, averaging 51% and frequently surpassing 75% on high-speed trains.
This escalation in train usage is not limited to France. Across Europe, train travel has gained momentum since the COVID-19 pandemic, with an average 9% increase in 2024 over 2019, pre-pandemic levels.
Freight train transportation also witnessed a rebound after a two-year slump. In France alone, freight trains moved 10% more goods in 2024 than in 2023. However, the activity remains 10% beneath the 2021 level, as noted by the ART.
Behind the Scenes: The Growth Factors
Although the ART did not discuss specific factors propelling the growth, several industry trends are widely recognized as influential:
- Night Train Boom: Night train usage in France skyrocketed by 26% year-on-year between 2023 and 2024, accommodating more than a million passengers in 2024. The growing demand for eco-friendly and overnight travel options, fueled by environmental concerns and a quest for unique experiences, is driving this trend[2].
- Modernization and Expansion: The SNCF, France’s national rail operator, is continuously expanding and enhancing its fleet, introducing new OUIGO trainsets with increased capacity and upgraded amenities. These improvements lead to more efficient and alluring rail travel, stimulating passenger growth[4].
- Financial Success and Market Confidence: SNCF enjoyed profitable growth across all sectors in 2024, illustrating a successful recovery and forward progress since the rail reform five years ago. This robust performance can bolster consumer and investor confidence, further nurturing passenger growth[3].
- Sustainable Offerings: Rail is increasingly recognized as a sustainable alternative to air and road travel. Initiatives like long-term renewables contracts for train electricity and targeted tourism trains aim to reinforce this image, resonating with eco-conscious travelers[4].
While these factors do not explicitly address the 6% annual increase stated by the ART, they align with wider trends of rising train usage in France. The surge in night train usage alone suggests a robust momentum within the sector, and similar drivers likely contribute to the overall increase in ridership. If the ART reported a 6% increase, it can be inferred that these underlying trends—environmental awareness, service improvements, and market confidence—have played a vital role.
TL;DR:France's train travel has been on an upward trajectory for the third consecutive year, with a 6% annual increase in passengers. This growth is propelled by factors such as the surge in night train popularity, service enhancements, eco-friendly offerings, and market confidence, collectively fueling the rising passenger numbers[2][3][4].
- The European Union, with its member countries, has also seen an average 9% increase in train travel since the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating that the surge in train usage isn't limited to France alone.
- In the finance sector, the SNCF, France’s national rail operator, has enjoyed profitable growth in 2024, which can bolster consumer and investor confidence, further nurturing the growth in the transportation industry.
