Competition between TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to Take Place Gradually Over Next 10 Years

Competition between TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to take place gradually over the next ten years

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is one of the last regions in France to open up to competition from the TER. This is a mandatory process since the New Railway Pact law of 2018, which imposes the end of the SNCF monopoly.

The region, known for its railway stars in Lyon, Grenoble, and Auvergne, is now taking stock of the competition. The competition must take place before December 25, 2023. Frédéric Aguilera, vice-president (Les Republicans) in charge of Aura transport, explains that they will deliberate before this date to sign a framework agreement with the SNCF to extend SNCF’s operation for ten years.

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region will pass an agreement with the SNCF, which will continue to operate the TER on the territory over the next ten years, the maximum period. Frédéric Aguilera specifies that they will have to complete the competition process before December 25, 2033.

However, it is important to note that opening up to competition does not mean privatization. It is a contractual framework with the future operators, and the region will ask them to meet public service requirements, as is the case for public transport in Lyon.

The community requirements include ensuring continuity of service throughout the traveler’s journey, offering unified and consistent pricing services across the network, taking into account technical, industrial, and organizational dimensions, managing all the steps well while respecting the regulatory schedule, organizing the exit from the SNCF monopoly by “demutualizing” as little as possible, activating article 21 of the new railway pact law for the transfer of property, and adapting the implementation of the master plan.

The opening to competition will be organized over the next ten years, with an operation envisaged in 2034 for Lyon. An allotment is necessary for the opening to competition, with five geographical lots that will be the subject of a contract. These lots include Lyon railway star lot, Auvergne lot, Chambéry – Grenoble star, so-called long-distance lot, and Haute-Savoie and cross-border lot. The details of these lots will be given in 2024.

The benefits for users will be decided in the specifications and negotiations, with a focus on improving frequency and prices of the offer for the user and the region. Frédéric Aguilera mentions that they have seen in Pays de la Loire that, for the same cost for the region, operators have offered more services with a 25% increase in traffic.

To ensure a fair competition, the region will become owners of the maintenance workshops, rolling stock, and other goods created by SNCF Voyageur by activating article 21. This is to prevent the SNCF from being favored due to its ownership of the equipment.

Regarding the future Lyon RER, Frédéric Aguilera assures that competition will not be a concern. They are still in an exploration phase, with ongoing studies and debates. Once they have agreed on the number of trains, they will determine how to order the service, whether from SNCF or another operator.

The deliberation on Thursday, June 29, will announce the call for competition. However, the details, future operators of TER, and tariffs will be determined in the coming months or even years.

Overall, the gradual opening to competition in the TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region aims to improve services for users while ensuring fair competition and maintaining public service requirements.

How will the introduction of new players in the TER services improve the safety and quality standards for passengers in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region

Ble, and finally, maintaining high safety and quality standards.

The gradual competition process is seen as a positive development for the region, as it will introduce new players and potentially improve the quality and efficiency of the TER services. Frédéric Aguilera believes that this competition will be beneficial for passengers, as it will allow them to have access to a wider range of services and options.

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is known for its strong railway network, and this competition will bring new opportunities for companies to operate in the region. It is expected that several companies will show interest in participating in the competition, bringing innovation and investment to the region’s rail industry.

Overall, the competition between TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes is a significant step towards opening up the railway sector in the region. It will provide new opportunities, improve services, and ultimately benefit the passengers. The region is preparing for this transition by establishing a framework agreement with the SNCF and ensuring that the future operators meet all the necessary requirements for a smooth and successful transition.