SNCF promises clearer pricing

RANGE OF NEW SERVICES ALSO UNVEILED, INCLUDING FAMILY TGV CARRIAGES, PRINT-AT-HOME TICKETS AND LUGGAGE HOME DELIVERY. THE SNCF has pledged to publish a full explanation of all the different

types of ticket it offers - and how the prices are calculated - for the first time. The initiative is one of a series of new measures announced by the French rail operator, including a move

towards e-tickets and TGV carriages specially equipped for families. The price list is being published after Tourism Minister Hervé Novelli criticised the SNCF for not being transparent

enough. A relaunched Voyages-SNCF.com website will include a comparative table showing how prices differ between TGV, Corail, Lunéa and idTGV services on the same route. The booking calendar

on the website will also make it clearer which days are the cheapest for travelling. Brochures will be available in stations explaining the range of different tickets available. The SNCF is

also planning to extend its use of e-tickets, which passengers book online and print at home before coming to the station. These will be introduced alongside ordinary tickets on 20 routes

from June 8, and do not have to be stamped by the _composteur_ machine on the concourse. Some 800 long-distance TGV trains in July and August will come with family carriages including

entertainment for children, at an extra cost of €3 per ticket. The SNCF has also launched a home delivery service for passengers' luggage, allowing them to drop off their bags and have

them delivered to an address at their destination from €28.