The branch of the French National Railways (SNCF) responsible for stations is located 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 Tuesday April 20.
Gares & Connexions is a young public limited company, a 100% subsidiary of SNCF Réseau, and is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 3,017 French stations (including 32 without any passengers in 2018). It was created on 1er January 2020 from the consolidation of the buildings, which depended on the former SNCF Mobilités, and the 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, [des] still not very restrictive objectives 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 which affect its effectiveness ”, underline the magistrates of the rue Cambon.
Increase state subsidies …
The fee system is opaque, unequal and too favorable to carriers, while Gares & Connexions’ limited financial leeway prevents it from fully investing, they believe. When the company allies itself with private promoters, it is the latter who capture “A large part of the value generated by the projects”.
Hence the need to improve performance “To offer the best service to carriers and travelers at the best price”, they advocate. “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.
The Court of Auditors also recommends 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 in 2020 of the platforms, walkways and large passenger halls, previously managed. by SNCF Réseau.
… An option rejected by Jean Castex
“Today, the State does not take charge of the financing of obligations for which it is nevertheless responsible, for a heritage which belongs to it and of which Gares & Connexions is only affected”, estimates the Court of Auditors. “The issue 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, reports SNCF.
In his response to the Court of Auditors, the Prime Minister, Jean Castex, said ” [partager] the main findings “ and “Some of its 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 according to the type of stations in terms of service offer and [d’]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 royalties paid by the companies and a massive subsidization of Gares & Connexions by the State.