New quicker way to prove identity and ticket for more train travel in France
Official app can create code that shows both ticket and ID information
The system has already been in use for passengers on TGV InOui trains
Leonid Andronov / Shutterstock
An increasing number of rail passengers in France can now use the France Identité application to provide their ID and ticket information without needing to show physical / digital tickets and ID cards. The system has now been expanded to include passengers on Intercités lines.
Passengers can use the app to generate a QR (quick response) code containing all the information required by an inspector.
The QR code matches the information held by the SNCF about the ticket holder (name, date of birth, etc) and links this to an existing reservation bearing the ticket holder’s surname, first name and date of birth so they do not need to show any further proof of ticket purchase.
The system was launched earlier this year for passengers on TGV InOui trains.
Read more: New way for travellers to show identity now accepted on some French trains
A further rollout of the system later in the year will allow users on high-speed low-cost OuiGo trains to also benefit.
However, the system will not be implemented for regional TER services as these do not require ticket holders to provide their name and obtain an assigned seat as the other services do.
Those using the TER service are of course still required to pay for a ticket, and may need a physical or digital version of this (with its own QR code) to pass through ticket barriers at stations.
Read more: France’s SNCF train company told it must not ask passengers’ gender
App unavailable for some
Note that only certain people can use the France Identité app for this purpose as it is only available to those with a modern plastic-style national French ID card (issued after 2021).
This means non-nationals and citizens without this style ID card cannot use the application.
Under 18s are also exempt from using the app for train QR codes.
There are plans to widen the use of the ID app so that it can host a digital version of the French health card (carte Vitale), although it is unclear when this will take place.
The app is expected to eventually be able to host digital versions of residency permits, allowing non-French citizens to benefit, however there is no information of when this is planned.
Read more: Explained: what is the official France Identité app and can foreigners use it?
