On October 15, 2026, Île-de-France Mobilités (IdFM) awarded a contract to SNCF Voyageurs to operate Transilien suburban rail services from 2026 through 2030. The contract covers the operation of RER lines C, D, and E as well as Transilien commuter lines H, J, K, N, P, R, and U around Greater Paris. The contract follows several months of negotiation and formalizes SNCF Voyageurs’ continued monopoly on these lines.
Operational Scope and Workforce
SNCF Voyageurs’ Transilien division manages 4,800 daily train services, transporting 3.3 million passengers daily in the Île-de-France region. This division employs 13,000 staff dedicated to suburban operations. IdFM remains the largest client,
funding operating costs and overseeing service delivery on these heavily used routes.
Investment and Modernization Programme
IdFM will fund annual operating costs of €3 billion and is undertaking an infrastructure modernization program valued at €7.2 billion for 2026-2030, representing a 20% increase compared to 2021-2025. Rolling stock investment includes €4.4 billion dedicated to new trains: Alstom RER NG electric multiple units for lines D and E, and Alstom/CAF MI20 units for RER B.
Additionally, SNCF Voyageurs will perform a mid-life refurbishment of 360 Bombardier NAT/Francilien EMUs during 2027-2043, funded by IdFM with a budget of €3 billion. Refurbishment work will take place at workshops
in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps and Nevers, capable of handling up to 15 trains simultaneously. Upgrades will include seats, CCTV, air conditioning, and passenger information systems.
A €1.2 billion programme will modernize depots, alongside €160 million allocated to update ticket vending machines and gate lines. Passenger and operational information systems, including digital transformation components, will receive €135 million in funding.
Service Quality and Performance Targets
The contract raises punctuality targets across several lines and introduces a €43 million per year bonus-penalty scheme. This scheme provides refunds to season ticket holders if persistent poor performance occurs. Additional service quality indicators have been raised or newly introduced, covering aspects such
as cleanliness, passenger information, and safety.
Efforts to reduce fare evasion and enhance passenger safety in stations are explicitly included in the agreement. These requirements aim to improve the overall commuter experience on the Transilien network.
Future Competition Plans and Related Contracts
IdFM intends to gradually end SNCF Voyageurs’ monopoly on certain Transilien lines. In this context, it previously awarded SNCF Voyageurs contracts for Line L from December 2026 to 2035 and for Line J starting December 2027. Both contracts were signed following competitive bids that also included RATP Cap Île-de-France.
