THE BIG-TICKET TGV

An accountability problem

Synopsis

Since its launch in 1981, the TGV has transported 2 billion passengers. But this technological marvel is not immune from failures, with deficits running in the billions of euros, frequent delays, and expensive tickets.

Why is a Paris-Bordeaux ticket so costly during the school holidays, even when booked months in advance? With budgets so tight, was a 6 billion euros line extension to gain 6 minutes really needed?

How to explain that a private company owns part of the TGV line when the railway company is government owned? Are there any consequences for users?