Third quarter train profits up 18%

Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer, France’s state-owned train operator, said third-quarter profit at its main unit rose 18% on an increase in passengers.

Earnings before interest and taxes at the unit, which also includes freight operations, rose to €206 million from €175 million a year ago, SNCF said in a statement on its web site. Revenue rose 5.2% to €3.84 billion.

Operating profit after taxes rose 22% to €135 million.