FRENCH National Railways (SNCF) says it achieved a marked improvement in its commercial and business performance in 2017, but revenues remain “insufficient” due to the huge debts of SNCF Network, which rose a further €1.7bn to €46.6bn.

FRENCH National Railways (SNCF) says it is doubling down to “promote cost-cutting and efforts to boost productivity” as competition and market uncertainty cloud the prospects for growth in 2017.

January 1 sees the start of a major restructuring of French railways with a return to integration of train operations and infrastructure albeit within a holding company organisation. In an exclusive interview with IRJ, Jacques Rapoport, who heads the new infrastructure subsidiary, explains the benefits of the new setup to David Briginshaw.