Latest news with #TGV
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
France saw record night train passengers in 2024, but can it keep up with booming demand?
Sleeper trains are undeniably the transport of the moment right now. New routes have received a flurry of media attention, and travellers are bumping a night on the rails to the top of their bucket lists. In fact, passenger data from France suggests night trains could continue to see record traveller numbers - if only supply could meet the demand. According to a recent report by French climate campaign group Réseau Action Climat, the biggest challenge facing the success of sleeper services is a lack of trains. Night trains in France are on track to be one of the country's most popular forms of transport. 2024 was a record year for the sleeper services, with more than a million passengers using them in France. Night trains were 76 per cent full on average, and even more than 80 per cent full on the two main routes, Paris-Toulouse and Paris-Nice. The line between Paris and Toulouse attracted nearly 100,000 additional passengers between 2019 and 2024 (growth of 64 per cent). Night trains are becoming an increasingly popular option with business travellers, who made up 30 per cent of users in 2023. On the only two international lines (Paris-Vienna and Paris-Berlin), passenger numbers were also high, despite numerous delays and a three-month suspension of services in 2024. According to a survey by the Europe on Rails collective, 72 per cent of French people would be willing to take the night train if the ticket price was acceptable and the connection available. While these soaring passenger numbers should be a positive sign, France's limited fleet of trains can't cope with the demand. In fact, this is forcing travellers to choose alternative, often more polluting forms of transport, or cancel their trip completely, the climate group's report found. To relieve congestion on existing lines and open new ones, it found, France needs to expand its fleet far beyond the current 129 sleeper cars. Plus, lines need to expand to connect cities other than Paris to other European hubs. The report stresses that getting night trains back on the right track would have multiple benefits. Firstly, they are an effective way of connecting rural or isolated areas with cities without requiring passengers to change mid-journey. Although longer than flying, night trains are also a more environmentally friendly way to get between Europe's major cities. Of the 10 main air links from France to the rest of Europe, at least six could be made by night train (Paris-Madrid, Paris-Barcelona, Paris-Milan, Paris-Rome, Nice-London, Paris-Venice). Choosing a sleeper service over a high-speed TGV daytime equivalent can also save you money. The night train from Paris to Toulouse, for example, starts at nearly €30 cheaper than the TGV, and you don't need to pay for a night in a hotel. The report proposes two options for expansion with a deadline of 2035. The less ambitious goal is to reach a fleet of 340 sleeper cars, which would allow for the reopening of lines such as Paris-Barcelona or Nice-Strasbourg. This scenario would make it possible to transport 3.6 million passengers and save 400,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, it says. The more ambitious proposal is to expand to 600 cars, which is the fleet size recommended by the Ministry of Transport's 2024 report on night trains. This would allow for the reopening of lines such as Paris-Venice or Bordeaux-Lyon, making it possible to transport 5.8 million passengers and save 800,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Related Eurostar rivals given 'green signal' for cross-Channel trains: What could it mean for passengers? All aboard the future: How high-speed battery-powered trains will change European rail travel By 2040, the report proposes an expansion to 1,200 cars, which would pave the way for international lines without going through Paris (e.g., Lyon-Rome, Nantes-Barcelona, Marseille-London). These would carry 12 million passengers and save 2 million tons of CO2 equivalent. 'The record ridership in 2024 demonstrates the French people's appetite for night trains,' Réseau Action Climat writes. 'Political will was there when it came to reversing the trend in 2020 and relaunching night lines. It is needed again today to change the scale.'
Euronews
a day ago
- Euronews
More than 1 million people took a night train trip in France in 2024
Sleeper trains are undeniably the transport of the moment right now. New routes have received a flurry of media attention, and travellers are bumping a night on the rails to the top of their bucket lists. In fact, passenger data from France suggests night trains could continue to see record traveller numbers - if only supply could meet the demand. According to a recent report by French climate campaign group Réseau Action Climat, the biggest challenge facing the success of sleeper services is a lack of trains. Night trains in France are on track to be one of the country's most popular forms of transport. 2024 was a record year for the sleeper services, with more than a million passengers using them in France. Night trains were 76 per cent full on average, and even more than 80 per cent full on the two main routes, Paris-Toulouse and Paris-Nice. The line between Paris and Toulouse attracted nearly 100,000 additional passengers between 2019 and 2024 (growth of 64 per cent). Night trains are becoming an increasingly popular option with business travellers, who made up 30 per cent of users in 2023. On the only two international lines (Paris-Vienna and Paris-Berlin), passenger numbers were also high, despite numerous delays and a three-month suspension of services in 2024. According to a survey by the Europe on Rails collective, 72 per cent of French people would be willing to take the night train if the ticket price was acceptable and the connection available. While these soaring passenger numbers should be a positive sign, France's limited fleet of trains can't cope with the demand. In fact, this is forcing travellers to choose alternative, often more polluting forms of transport, or cancel their trip completely, the climate group's report found. To relieve congestion on existing lines and open new ones, it found, France needs to expand its fleet far beyond the current 129 sleeper cars. Plus, lines need to expand to connect cities other than Paris to other European hubs. The report stresses that getting night trains back on the right track would have multiple benefits. Firstly, they are an effective way of connecting rural or isolated areas with cities without requiring passengers to change mid-journey. Although longer than flying, night trains are also a more environmentally friendly way to get between Europe's major cities. Of the 10 main air links from France to the rest of Europe, at least six could be made by night train (Paris-Madrid, Paris-Barcelona, Paris-Milan, Paris-Rome, Nice-London, Paris-Venice). Choosing a sleeper service over a high-speed TGV daytime equivalent can also save you money. The night train from Paris to Toulouse, for example, starts at nearly €30 cheaper than the TGV, and you don't need to pay for a night in a hotel. The report proposes two options for expansion with a deadline of 2035. The less ambitious goal is to reach a fleet of 340 sleeper cars, which would allow for the reopening of lines such as Paris-Barcelona or Nice-Strasbourg. This scenario would make it possible to transport 3.6 million passengers and save 400,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, it says. The more ambitious proposal is to expand to 600 cars, which is the fleet size recommended by the Ministry of Transport's 2024 report on night trains. This would allow for the reopening of lines such as Paris-Venice or Bordeaux-Lyon, making it possible to transport 5.8 million passengers and save 800,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. By 2040, the report proposes an expansion to 1,200 cars, which would pave the way for international lines without going through Paris (e.g., Lyon-Rome, Nantes-Barcelona, Marseille-London). These would carry 12 million passengers and save 2 million tons of CO2 equivalent. 'The record ridership in 2024 demonstrates the French people's appetite for night trains,' Réseau Action Climat writes. 'Political will was there when it came to reversing the trend in 2020 and relaunching night lines. It is needed again today to change the scale.'
The Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Hannah calls for review of BAM ecosystem to ensure player welfare
YOUTH and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh hopes that newly-appointed Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz will review the national governing body's ecosystem to ensure the welfare of all national shuttlers is safeguarded. Hannah also advised shuttlers to remain under the BAM umbrella instead of turning professional so that they can continue receiving full government support through the association. 'There are many factors to be considered when a shuttler contemplates staying with BAM or turning pro. The advantage of staying with BAM is that they will have ready sparring partners, which is something that will be lacking should they turn pro and which can also affect their performance. 'That is why I'm asking BAM president Tengku Zafrul to review this ecosystem and ensure the players receive the best possible support. If possible, for the shuttlers to remain with BAM so that the government's assistance will reach them and there will be an orderly system... various types of government support are channelled through BAM,' she said. She said this at the launch of a video to raise awareness about the Drug-Free Youth campaign in collaboration with a cinema chain and national athletes, which was also attended by National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) director-general Datuk Ruslin Jusoh here today. Meanwhile, Hannah said she was satisfied with the performance of the national shuttlers at the 2024 Malaysia Masters, which ended yesterday. 'I believe that with the presence of coaches and the support from the RTG (Road to Gold) programme, we can continue to raise their performance level. We have allocated a budget for the National Sports Council (NSC) talent development programme this year to ensure a constant supply of new talents,' she said. Earlier, at the event, Hannah announced a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), through the Rakan Muda Development Division, the National Youth and Sports Department (JBSN) and TGV Cinemas to further empower the Drug-Free Youth campaign. Hannah said the strategic collaboration involves the screening of videos raising awareness of the dangers of drugs and banned substances before the screening of movies at all TGV Cinemas nationwide. 'Today, we launched the awareness video in partnership with TGV. TGV has cinemas at 40 locations nationwide, except in Sabah, and TGV cinemas have also assisted the government in a promotional video campaign to fight baby dumping. 'The campaign was very effective because it encouraged those affected to seek government assistance. So, this time we are collaborating with the AADK to bring this series of promotional videos to the cinemas because many who go for movies are youths,' she said.
West Australian
24-05-2025
- West Australian
The big five in Bordeaux
Just over two hours south-west of Paris on the high-speed TGV train, Bordeaux is undoubtedly one of the best cities to visit in France. Brimming with history and beauty, boasting an arresting mix of antique and cutting-edge sights and attractions, it's also the launchpad for multi-night cruises along the Garonne, a river that helped Bordeaux evolve from rural backwater to one of the world's richest trading ports. Here are five highlights in and around the city. You'll find countless wine shops and bars, plus the show-stopping Cite du Vin (City of Wine). While its bold, sinuous contemporary exterior is said to conjure the 'soul of wine', inside themed galleries with engaging, interactive exhibits take you back through the centuries, telling the story of wine globally and regionally. You can also sign up for workshops that let you taste different tipples as you deepen your knowledge of wine (while becoming slightly merrier and light headed). As you'd perhaps expect, Bordeaux wine pairs nicely with the region's cuisine, whether it's a glass of crisp sauvignon blanc with Atlantic oysters or a full-bodied red with a coq au vin or magret de canard (duck breast). Classic and contemporary bistros pepper the city and you'll also find more cosmopolitan eateries with recipes, trends and tipples from across the world. Other options for food and drink are the old-school markets and modern food halls that offer a range of flavours under one roof. Possibilities include Les Halles Bacalan, opened in 2017 opposite the Cite du Vin, and La Boca, which launched south of Bordeaux's Saint-Jean station the following year. Steeped in history, with roots in the mid 1700s, Marche des Capucins is perhaps the city's most alluring market, a sensory feast offering everything from regionally-sourced meats and seafood to South American empanadas and desserts. Thanks to its close links with royalty — Eleanor of Aquitaine, daughter of Richard the Lionheart of England, married Louis VII, King of France here in AD1137 — Bordeaux was one Europe's most important cities in the Middle Ages. And as transatlantic trading routes opened up, the city became wealthier still with the prosperity evident in the buildings sprinkling Bordeaux's strollable historic core. You will see handsome spired churches, gated remnants of the city's medieval walls, elegant squares and theatres, and Parisian-style palaces, shopping arcades and boulevards. One of the best places for viewing the mix of architecture is along the riverside promenade, especially by the Miroir d'Eau. Created in 2006, the world's largest reflecting pool mirrors the Place de la Bourse, a square edged by a neoclassical-rococo-style former stock exchange. While Bordeaux has a beautifully-preserved old core — Victor Hugo was a fan — it's not a city that rests on its laurels. New districts are being built on disused land — with modern apartments and construction cranes rising either side of the railway station — and the city's tram network has been extended several times since 2003, most recently to the airport. Around the city, previously abandoned or derelict sites have been repurposed into visitor draws and community hubs, including the Darwin eco-camp, which has galleries, bars, shops, street art and skateboarding facilities at a former military barracks. Another waterfront diversion is the Bassins des Lumieres, a huge digital arts centre with exhibitions in a former World War II submarine base on the docks of the Bacalan district. You could gladly spend two or three days drinking in the pleasures of central Bordeaux (and more if you'd like to check out its fine arts, history and maritime museums, and its tidy parks and botanical gardens). Away from the wine-related tours and day trips, and cruises that sail on the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, you could venture towards the Atlantic coast either by car, e-bike or rail. One mesmerising location is the Bay of Arcachon, a huge tidal lagoon fringed by pine forests, Europe's highest sand dunes and cute and chic beach towns where you can tuck into seafood lunches and hop on and off sightseeing boats and ferries. The best-connected hub for the bay is the town of Arcachon itself. It's about 40 minutes on the train from Bordeaux and a little bit longer to drive, but well worth the journey, especially if good weather is on the horizon. fact file + For more information on visiting Bordeaux, including attractions and accommodation options, see
Metro
21-05-2025
- Climate
- Metro
Map shows scale of flooding across southern France which left three people dead
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video At least three people have died after severe flooding and storms hit the south of France. An elderly couple were killed yesterday after the floods swept through the seaside town of Le Lavandou, which sits along the south eastern coast of France. Their car was swept away by the floodwaters and the woman's body was found trapped inside the wreckage, France24 reported. A man also died in the town of Vidauban, around 18 miles north of Le Lavandou, after getting stuck in his car. Police are investigating their causes of death but prosecutor Samuel Finielzsaid the situation is 'quite difficult on the ground'. Mayor of Le Lavandou, Gil Bernandi, said the aftermath of the flooding were similar to 'scenes of war', with 'bridges torn down' and 'roads torn up'. He said during a press conference: 'The roads, the bridges, the paving stones, there is no more electricity, water, or wastewater treatment plant. The shock is significant because the phenomenon is truly violent and incomprehensible. 'As we speak, an entire part of the commune is inaccessible.' The Var region of southeastern France has been placed under an orange alert for rain, flooding and thunderstorms by Meteo-France, the country's national weather service. Pictures from the area show cars submerged in floodwater, people running to safety and homes flooded out. Yellow flood alerts have also been issued for northern parts of France for today and tomorrow. The town's mayor, Claude Pianetti, wrote on Facebook: 'After a few hours of intense rain on our municipality, we regret to mourn the death of a person drowned in his vehicle. 'A female driver and her passenger got engaged on a country road completely submerged and fell into the ditch. 'A witness who was otherwise elected as a municipal, helped the two people who could only save the female driver. 'Firefighters, PM, police officers and their divers are still on site to extract the vehicle from the stream. We extend our sincere condolences to the victim's family and relatives.' Heavy rain also forced a TGV train service from Toulouse to Paris to become dislodged. More than 500 passengers were evacuated by bus after the train was forced to stop on the tracks overnight near Tonneins. The rescue operation involved involved dozens of firefighters, police and volunteers. Mayor of Tonneins, Dante Rinaudo, told AFP: 'We narrowly avoided a disaster, the tracks were exposed and the TGV was suspended.' He said that the storms should be recognised by the government as a natural disaster. More Trending Another train also travelling between Toulouse and Paris got stranded in Agen. State rail operator SNCF said trains would be suspended for 'at least several days' between Agen and Marmande. It confirmed services between Bordeaux and Toulouse would also be affected. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page.
