The Public-Private Partnership model has provided the French rail sector with an unprecedented boost. In 2017, in the span of just a few months, three new lines went into operation on-time and on-budget.
In 2017, AGIFI commissioned a study from Ernst and Young that showed the effectiveness of private project management and sought to explain its success. Three aspects of Public-Private Partnerships were highlighted.
70% of the projects under private project management met the initial deadlines, compared to 30% of publicly managed projects.
70% of projects under public project management are within budget, compared to less than 20% under public project management.
Because of its long-term commitment to the project (up to 50 years), the private partner that manages the infrastructure can plan out the required maintenance operations starting in the design phase, optimising costs and providing a certain level of sustainability. This long-term vision ensures effective management of public funding.
Private managers are also subject to strict and detailed monitoring of their performance, which is directly linked to their earnings. As part of the agreements they sign, private partners are encouraged to meet all the performance commitments included in the agreement.
Private partners obtain financing and ensure the project is designed correctly and blends seamlessly into its environment. They are careful to clearly define the functional programme and the sharing of responsibilities.
A strong focus on safety and infrastructure performance, as well as optimisation. Public-Private Partnerships are governed by strict performance criteria, meaning infrastructure maintenance is held to the highest standards.
A focus on the quality, timely delivery, and eco-friendliness of projects. Private partners are committed to staying within budget and meeting equipment delivery deadlines.
Hervé Le Caignec graduated from École Spéciale des Travaux Publics (TP86) and started his career building and maintaining road infrastructure.
He then oversaw the development and operation of major infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) both in France and abroad. He spent 14 years at the VINCI Group, 4 years at SNCF, and 10 years at the Caisse des Dépôts Group. In March 2017, he was named Chairman of LISEA, the concession holder for the Tours-Bordeaux high-speed line.
A graduate of École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées, Gilles managed the Île-de-France regional branch for Egis Aménagement (transport and mobility engineering, urban development, etc.). He then served as Managing Director of the European Economic Interest Grouping that manages and operates the Mont Blanc Tunnel for ATMB and the Italian Mont Blanc Tunnel Company (SITMB).
He became the new Managing Director of Oc’Via on 1 May 2019.