SNCB ranked Europe’s second most reliable rail operator but scores mediocre overall
Belgium’s SNCB has been ranked the second most reliable rail operator in Europe, behind Switzerland’s SBB, according to a study by the think tank Transport and Environment (T&E).
The ranking assessed 27 European rail companies on various criteria. However, the SNCB's score remains mediocre, and it particularly falls short in passenger experience.
The study finds that SBB is the most reliable operator, followed by the SNCB and Spain’s Renfe. At the bottom of the list are Germany’s Deutsche Bahn, Portugal’s CP and Sweden’s Snälltåget.
According to the study, the SNCB stands out for offering the best compensation policy in Europe. It exceeds the requirements of EU regulations on rail passenger rights. It is also among the top operators for accommodating bicycles.
Lack of options
However, the SNCB struggles with the passenger experience. It is one of the few European rail operators that does not provide onboard Wi-Fi, for example. Overall, the SNCB scored 6.1 out of 10, placing it 12th in T&E’s rankings, just above the average.
Italy’s Trenitalia emerged as the best overall operator, while Eurostar ranked last. Eurostar was criticised for high prices, below-average reliability, lack of options for cyclists and only average performance in other categories.
The rankings were based on eight criteria: ticket prices, reliability, discount programmes, compensation policies, passenger experience, availability of night trains and bike-friendly options.
"Delays and cancellations are still far too frequent"
Victor Thévenet, rail coordinator at T&E, noted significant room for improvement across all operators, particularly in service reliability. “Delays and cancellations are still far too frequent,” he said.
The group calls for more government investment in rail networks to improve reliability and lower ticket prices. It also urged rail operators to adopt best practices, highlighting UK operators’ generous refund policies.
“Some British companies offer partial refunds for delays as short as 15 minutes and full refunds for delays over an hour,” Thévenet said. Such policies, he believes, could encourage more people to choose train travel.
© BELGA PHOTO THIERRY ROGE
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