Train 'revolution' on its way in France as high-speed market opens to competition
New French companies, as well as established foreign operators, will compete with the SNCF on TGV lines across the country
Le Train could provide high-speed services by 2027 in western France. This computer mock-up shows what the company's trains may look like
Le Train
Three private French companies are to offer alternative – or rival – services to state rail operator SNCF as the country’s high-speed long-distance TGV train market opens up.
EU competition rules are behind the opening of the market.
New and direct routes, cheaper tickets, more comfort and better onboard services are among benefits promised by the new operators.
One service, 'Le Train', is due to launch in west France in 2027, linking regional cities with 10 new trains and direct trips.
“There is an appetite for new ways of travelling. That is where companies set up from scratch come in – imagine if we still had just three TV channels, or one telephone company," said CEO of Le Train Alain Gétraud.
“In the 21st Century we want choice, we have different needs and favourite brands.
“The air industry, telephony and the media have done it but rail has lagged. We have to move forward and transform rail services too.”
New firms, foreign competition
A second firm, Proxima, has already raised €1billion after launching earlier this year and has ordered 12 TGVs from Alstom for 2028.
It will aim to compete with SNCF linking Rennes, Angers, Bordeaux and Nantes with Paris.
Kevin Speed, also looking to launch in 2028, hopes to offer links between Paris and Lille, and Strasbourg and Lyon, with a focus on low costs – including tickets below €15 at off-peak times.
France has been opening up the rail market, with Italy’s national company Trenitalia and Spain’s Renfe the first to benefit.
The former has linked Milan and Paris via Lyon since 2021 and the latter now connects Madrid and Paris via cities including Barcelona and Marseille.
Read more: Italian train operator Trenitalia to open Paris-Marseille route
Mr Gétraud said that while these foreign operators had a head start in terms of trains and finance, they also have weaknesses, namely an obligation to serve their respective domestic markets, limiting their ability to expand in France, and less flexible commercial models.
The aim of Le Train, which was founded in 2020, is not to compete, he added, but rather to offer something different.
You can read our interview with Mr Gétraud and deputy managing director of Le Train Catherine Pihan-Le Bars, at the link below.
Read more: New train operator sets sights on west of France
Passengers open to changes
Fnaut (Fédération Nationale des Associations d'Usagers des Transports) passengers’ group president François Delétraz welcomed the changes despite some reservations.
“Opening to competition is usually good, as it obliges firms that have a monopoly to be more productive and can lower prices.
However, a concern we have is that if there are several operators on the same line, each with a few return trips a day, you might have fewer timetable choices with each than if there is one company running them all.
“Another risk is that new operators may only work on the most profitable lines and SNCF will be obliged to run the unprofitable ones.”
He added that any extra space and personnel promised by firms would likely come at a cost.
“One benefit of the SNCF is passengers can find low and high prices on the same train.”
Claims of clearer ticket pricing also remain to be proved, he said, as “Renfe and Trenitalia’s price range is just as complicated as SNCF’s”
Read more: SNCF will increase number of seats on TGV Atlantique trains
