SNCF tightens rail ticket rules

FRENCH train operator SNCF is to cut the length of time its TER and Intercity tickets are valid from the current 61 days to between one day and one week in a bid to cut down on fraud.

In some regions - Midi-Pyrénées, Champagne-Ardenne, Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence-Alpes-Côte Azur - tickets will only be valid for one day.

Le Figaro reports that some passengers would not punch their tickets until ordered to by a member of SNCF staff, which meant they remained valid even after being used.

SNCF believes some passengers have reused the same ticket several times.

As a result, SNCF estimates it is losing as much as €300m every year.

Customers will still be able to buy tickets up to two months in advance, but from Tuesday must specify the period during which the tickets will be used.