As the clock ticks closer to the start of the 2024 Olympics, SNCF CEO Jean-Pierre Farandou remains confident in the company’s ability to handle the increased transportation demands that come with such a major event. With just 28 days remaining before the games begin, SNCF has ramped up its transport services by 15%, adding an impressive 4,500 extra trains to its usual summer schedule.
These additional trains will serve 79% of the Olympic sites across France, including major competition venues such as the Parc des Princes, Saint-Quentin en Yvelines velodrome, and Invalides. The RER C line will also see an additional 560 trains running during the games to facilitate smooth transportation for spectators.
SNCF is well aware that it will face unprecedented crowds during the Olympics, with an estimated 24 million travelers expected in Paris and beyond. To prepare for this influx of travelers, simulations have been conducted at stations like Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, where numbers are expected to surge from 3,000 to 30,000 during the Games. The company is drawing on its experience from previous major events such as the Rugby World Cup in 2023 to ensure a positive experience for travelers.
In addition to its operational preparations, SNCF is also involved in supporting athletes through its “athlete system” established in 1982. The company supports around thirty athletes by providing them with employment contracts that allow them to pursue their sporting careers while also maintaining professional commitments. Eight athletes from this system have qualified for the upcoming Olympics, highlighting SNCF’s commitment not only to sporting excellence but also operational readiness for such major events.