Here are 10 key areas in which the SNCF is carrying out research - it's all about staying ahead of the game and ensuring you continue choosing to travel by train.

Ecomobility is the key word for the SNCF's whole strategy - improving energy consumption (using hybrid sources, energy recovery and eco-driving) and reducing the environmental impact of train travel, starting with noise pollution.

Service is an important issue in revolutionising travel and developing customer loyalty. Current projects at SNCF Research, in partnership with leading new-technology providers, include e-ticketing and Internet access on high-speed trains.

Ensuring the punctuality of rail services is a key area for our company, featuring two research areas: optimising corporate resources and predictive maintenance of trains and infrastructure. To give one example of our researchers' talents, they can reconstruct a real-time graphic showing trains running on a single track (in both directions) in the event of incidents.

In-train comfort is an area for high-tech research, from lighting to the next-generation toilets and smart seating.

Another area for the researcher is optimising SNCF revenue. They have developed models for ensuring as many seats as possible are filled, by adjusting ticket prices.

Safety of the rail system is part of the SNCF's DNA and is a focus for continuing research.

Personal security is also a legitimate expectation on the part of our passengers. SNCF researchers have demonstrated the feasibility of automatic imaging and audio systems for detecting abnormal happenings on board trains.

The final two research areas focus on developing design tools for engineering and improving human performance and industrial relations. The SNCF's researchers really are at the heart of our ambitions.

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