TGV ticket prices will increase sharply in 2012.

The new pricing structure is largely due to the VAT increase decided by the Government, a backward step for the rail network after promises to keep prices accessible to everyone.

As of January 3, 2012, tickets for high-speed trains but also trains and inter-rail network Téoz and Lunéa run night trains will cost 3.2% more.

The increase has been accredited to the climbing rate of VAT from 5.5% to 7%, determined by the Government in their second austerity plan presented in November this year.

The impact felt in the pockets of travellers using the network will represent "an average increase of 60 cents for travelers TGV," the railway company said.

In contrast the SNCF said it would freeze prices for booking subscription "packages" valid for travelers taking the TGV every day, and subscriptions for students.

"The annual adjustment of rates TGV (second class full price) will be 1.7% in 2012, is strictly the rate of inflation in 2012," said the railway company in a statement.

"This is the smallest increase since 1999," argues the SNCF, whose president, Guillaume Pepy, has recently committed to keeping rates low. "There is an increase in VAT that has been passed by Parliament, but our goal is always to keep prices low," he added.