The Hauts-de-France region has finalized one of the largest regional rail contracts in Europe, marking a new milestone in the liberalization of passenger rail transport in France. The operator SNCF Voyageurs was awarded the concession to operate the main rail links between the north of the country and the capital, Paris, in a contract valued at over EUR 3 billion.
The contract covers a 9-year period of actual operation, following an 18-month operational preparation phase. Services will be fully operational by early 2028.
“Outside the Île-de-France region, we have finalized the most significant and ambitious rail contract in France. It is a true operational test for over 1,500 trains per week, representing approximately 35% of TER traffic in Hauts-de-France,” said Christophe Coulon, Vice President of the Hauts-de-France Regional Council, responsible for mobility, transportation infrastructure, and ports.
The contract covers the main regional routes to Paris, including Paris–Amiens, Paris–Lille, Paris–Beauvais, Paris–Laon, Paris–Calais, Paris–Maubeuge, and other connections in the northern region.
The new agreement will lead to a significant increase in service, with 1,558 weekly trains starting in 2028, representing a major increase from current levels. Approximately 103 new trains will be introduced on these routes to improve capacity and passenger comfort.
At the same time, the operator will be subject to much stricter performance standards, including a 98.5% on-time rate and harsher financial penalties for cancellations, especially during peak hours. Enhanced safety and anti-fraud measures will also be introduced, including the installation of access gates at the main stations in Paris-Nord and Creil.
“This opening to competition allows us to raise standards and bring about tangible improvements in passenger service. The goal is greater frequency, greater reliability, and greater safety,” emphasized Christophe Coulon.
A New Model for Regional Rail Operations
To manage the contract, a dedicated organization with approximately 1,200 employees will be created, responsible for the day-to-day operation of services between northern France and Paris. The network will transport approximately 70,000 passengers daily across some 70 stations served.
The model is part of France’s strategy to gradually open up regional transportation to competition, a process aimed at increasing efficiency and modernizing rail services.
Currently, SNCF Voyageurs already manages other similar contracts in the region, consolidating its position in the regional rail services market in northern France.
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