Transportation: What’s Coming in 2023!

Every New Year brings its share of joys and surprises. Mobiwisy has looked into the developments in transportation in 2023.

It’s yet another paradox. Never before has the transportation offer been as extensive, but it’s also often very expensive, especially when focusing on the drastic increase in energy costs. This is a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the highly precarious geopolitical situation in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Asia, not to mention the economic tensions between China and the United States.

Let’s start with the good news, so as not to spoil your New Year’s Eve!

Bike aids extended in 2023 

We had already mentioned this in Mobiwisy’s columns. The aid for purchasing a new bike to replace your car is extended throughout 2023. Broadly, this involves increasing the assistance to €300, along with a supplement for low-income households with modified eligibility thresholds (taxable income per part below €14,089, compared to €13,489) and for people with disabilities. Another novelty is the opening of the Bonus to all folding bikes and the expansion of the conversion bonus.

A zero-interest loan in ZFEs

Starting January 1^st, 2023, a zero-interest loan can be granted for the purchase of an electric or hybrid vehicle within the eleven already listed low-emission zones and in neighboring cities. This loan is aimed at private individuals with a taxable household income under €14,000, as well as micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees (turnover under €2 million). 

For eligible individuals, the loan can go up to €30,000 and be repaid over a period of seven years. It concerns cars with a maximum amount of €45,000 and utility vehicles up to €60,000, with a maximum permissible gross weight of 2.6 tonnes.

A clause applies to long-term lease (LLD) and rental with purchase options (LOA), with a maximum loan of €10,000, repayable over the duration of the long-term rental.

A €100 subsidy for carpooling

If you haven’t taken the plunge yet, now’s the time! A €100 subsidy will be available starting January 1^st, 2023, for all new carpoolers, provided it involves daily trips. The government has negotiated with carpooling platforms to pay out €100 (cash or shopping vouchers) in two installments to new users who make trips of less than 80 km daily.

Note that a second bonus of €100 is also planned for those making long journeys. Cumulative with the first, it applies to all new registrants.

A €100 fuel voucher

You know that the fuel rebate ends on January 1^st, 2023. As gasoline and diesel prices have surged again, a new government aid is introduced. It is a voucher for the 10 million most modest households. This application, to be completed on the tax website before January 16, 2023, is set at €100. However, it can be doubled for couples where both partners have modest income.

… And the bad news: rising train ticket prices!

For all households and large families, trains are already an expensive option, especially if booked at the last minute. Unfortunately, things won’t get better in 2023 in train transportation, with a general fare increase starting January 10, 2023. This increase will allow SNCF to display “maximum” prices higher than they are currently.

This increase affects categories such as professional fares, TGV Max Active subscriptions, and packages, as well as first and second class TGV prices…

Other negative developments are expected, like the new fixed exchange and refund fee of €19 (up from €15 today), while free exchanges and cancellations will only be available for requests made at J-6 prior to departure…

Also read: SNCF Strike: How to Benefit from XXL Reimbursement?