Latest news with #TGVs
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Double-decker trains could soon run from London to Paris
Double-decker trains could run through the Channel Tunnel by the end of the decade under plans being drawn up by Eurostar and Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group. The rival rail operators are contemplating orders of a two-tier version of the French TGV train, in a move that would significantly increase capacity on the busy London-Paris route. It would also give Britons a taste of the double-decker train travel that has been commonplace in continental Europe for decades. Eurostar said that opting for a double-decker design is 'a possibility' as it moves towards placing an order for up to 50 new trains by the end of this year. Talks are under way with multiple manufacturers for the order, a spokesman said. Those include Alstom, the manufacturer of the original fleet of TGV-based Eurostar trains that are capable of speeds of 350 km/h (217 mph). Eurostar's majority owner, French state railway SNCF, has operated twin-deck TGVs since 1996. Sir Richard's Virgin Group also said it would consider double-deckers as it bids to operate trains through the Channel Tunnel in competition with Eurostar. A spokesman said potential suppliers included Alstom as it seeks 'the best trains to meet our cross-Channel rail ambitions'. Opting for a high-capacity model might enhance Virgin's credentials amid efforts to win approval for the move from UK regulators. Gemini Trains, led by rail industry expert Lord Tony Berkeley, and Evolyn of Spain, which is working with Italy's state rail operator, are also in the running to end Eurostar's 30-year monopoly on cross-Channel services Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Alstom's boss, said it was in talks to run double-decker trains through the Channel Tunnel, where he said they could both increase capacity and bring down told the Financial Times: 'The double-decker train has a lot of advantages. It's a very high-speed train with the lowest cost per seat and the highest capacity.'The High Speed 1 line from Folkestone to St Pancras station was built to European standards, meaning there should be no issue in accommodating the increased height of the trains, an Alstom spokesman said. While gaining approval for double-deckers to run through the tunnel would take some years, they should be available within the timescales being explored by Eurostar and Virgin. However, Alstom has limited production capacity and outstanding orders for the two-tier TGV, so it may be a case of 'first come, first served' in bringing the trains to the Tunnel, he said. The firm's newest twin-deck model, the Avelia Horizon, which has more than 100 orders, is set for its first delivery next year. While the top level of a double-decker offers a better view for passengers, the trains have a mixed reputation in Europe. Stairs to the top level can be hard to negotiate for some passengers and boarding times are inevitably longer. A seat on the bottom deck also tends to be lower and can require steps down. Britain's only foray into double-decker trains came after Second World War, when two experimental commuter models served London Charing Cross. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
CNN
18-03-2025
- Automotive
- CNN
France unveils ‘incredible' new high-speed TGV trains with double-decker dining car
France's national railway operator has unveiled its next-generation high-speed trains, equipped with stylish interiors that are already causing a stir online. Branded INOUI (a play on the French word 'inouï,' meaning unprecedented or incredible), these will be the fifth generation of the country's TGV intercity service that has been at the forefront of high-speed rail travel since their launch nearly 45 years ago. After undergoing more than a million kilometers (over 620,000 miles) of test journeys, the new trains — manufactured entirely in France — were unveiled earlier this month by SNCF Voyageurs, the French national passenger rail operator, and manufacturer Alstom. '45 years after the first TGV, we're going to revolutionize high-speed travel once again,' Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, said in a press statement. The trains, which will travel at speeds of up to 320 kilometers an hour (nearly 200 mph) caused a stir online, with social media users praising the new designs. as 'incredible.' 'There's just something about these 70s space age vibes that make it feel modern and retro at the same time,' Jan Buis, who posts about technology and design, wrote on X. The first- and second-class carriages feature light interiors, complemented by statement yellow lamps. Table lamps have long been a staple on TGVs and the new generation are meant to look 'as round as the seats' while adding a touch of 'bright colour' and humor, according to SNCF's statement. The overall look of the project is the result of a collaboration between French engineering consultancy AREP and Japanese design agency NENDO. Comfort is the central theme, AREP said in a press release. 'The idea was to take a fresh look, to introduce a lasting break in the railway world and to re-enchant a technical and industrial environment,' it said, adding that the interiors are intended to provide a 'more personal bubble of comfort in a shared space.' France's famed cuisine and quality local ingredients will be showcased on the train's 'centrepiece' — a dining car spanning two floors. Passengers will be able to buy self-service items in the downstairs area, while the upstairs will be home to a 'convivial bistro' featuring seasonal French dishes and wines. For the first time in TGV's history, the entire train crew was involved in the design process, according to the press statement. Conductors, drivers and maintenance workers advised on designing layouts better suited to their daily tasks. The drivers used virtual reality technology to experience and choose between three different cab environments. Thoughtful design extends beyond the needs of those working on the train. Microwaves, extra changing tables and relaxation areas have been added to help families travelling with children. A new car has also been designed for wheelchair users, making it possible for them to board the train independently and order food to their seats. Journeys will start on the Paris-Lyon-Marseille line in 2026, taking travelers from the capital to the south coast in three hours.
CNN
18-03-2025
- Automotive
- CNN
France unveils ‘incredible' new high-speed TGV trains with double-decker dining car
France's national railway operator has unveiled its next-generation high-speed trains, equipped with stylish interiors that are already causing a stir online. Branded INOUI (a play on the French word 'inouï,' meaning unprecedented or incredible), these will be the fifth generation of the country's TGV intercity service that has been at the forefront of high-speed rail travel since their launch nearly 45 years ago. After undergoing more than a million kilometers (over 620,000 miles) of test journeys, the new trains — manufactured entirely in France — were unveiled earlier this month by SNCF Voyageurs, the French national passenger rail operator, and manufacturer Alstom. '45 years after the first TGV, we're going to revolutionize high-speed travel once again,' Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, said in a press statement. The trains, which will travel at speeds of up to 320 kilometers an hour (nearly 200 mph) caused a stir online, with social media users praising the new designs. as 'incredible.' 'There's just something about these 70s space age vibes that make it feel modern and retro at the same time,' Jan Buis, who posts about technology and design, wrote on X. The first- and second-class carriages feature light interiors, complemented by statement yellow lamps. Table lamps have long been a staple on TGVs and the new generation are meant to look 'as round as the seats' while adding a touch of 'bright colour' and humor, according to SNCF's statement. The overall look of the project is the result of a collaboration between French engineering consultancy AREP and Japanese design agency NENDO. Comfort is the central theme, AREP said in a press release. 'The idea was to take a fresh look, to introduce a lasting break in the railway world and to re-enchant a technical and industrial environment,' it said, adding that the interiors are intended to provide a 'more personal bubble of comfort in a shared space.' France's famed cuisine and quality local ingredients will be showcased on the train's 'centrepiece' — a dining car spanning two floors. Passengers will be able to buy self-service items in the downstairs area, while the upstairs will be home to a 'convivial bistro' featuring seasonal French dishes and wines. For the first time in TGV's history, the entire train crew was involved in the design process, according to the press statement. Conductors, drivers and maintenance workers advised on designing layouts better suited to their daily tasks. The drivers used virtual reality technology to experience and choose between three different cab environments. Thoughtful design extends beyond the needs of those working on the train. Microwaves, extra changing tables and relaxation areas have been added to help families travelling with children. A new car has also been designed for wheelchair users, making it possible for them to board the train independently and order food to their seats. Journeys will start on the Paris-Lyon-Marseille line in 2026, taking travelers from the capital to the south coast in three hours.
The Independent
17-03-2025
- Business
- The Independent
First glimpse inside France's new high-speed TGV trains designed to ‘flow like a river'
A two-storey bar, self-service grocery shop and retro-red seats with extra legroom – the sleek interiors for the latest high-speed fleet of French trains have been revealed. The TGV Inoui trains, the fifth generation of TGV, will take to the tracks on the route connecting Paris to Lyon and Marseille next year. Designers from the French agency AREP and Nendo, a Japanese agency, created the train to flow 'like a river' in a palette of red, blue, and yellow, with comfort at the forefront of interior planning. At the centre of the redesign, a two-floor bistro – Le Bistro – sits in carriage four, serving regional French dishes, fine wine and coquillettes jambon ham pasta with a self-service grocery shop downstairs. TGV drivers worked with designers to co-construct their driving cabs, introducing special lighting, safer air conditioning and better soundproofing. As for accessibility, this TGV will enable passengers in wheelchairs to board the train independently and have a larger capacity for wheelchair-dedicated areas. In a TGV first, the number of carriages on the train can be changed to meet requirements – for example, a first-class carriage can be converted into a second-class carriage – with luggage spaces adjustable according to the season or market. Fewer doors dividing carriages aim to make it easier for passengers to keep an eye on their luggage as they travel. TGVs will also be able to seat up to 740 passengers, 20 per cent more than TGVs today. On-board wifi, a new yellow lamp and space for eight bicycles await rail travellers on TGV Inoui trains. For first-class passengers, elevated comforts include a seat that are 5cm wider, an electric seat recline, a storage shelf and space for cabin luggage. In second-class seats, there's an adjustable-height headrest, individual sockets, a phone holder and 5cm more knee room than on existing TGV models. Families will also find a baby changing table, access to a microwave and larger platforms to move around with children during a journey. TGV Inoui trains plan to welcome their first passengers for service in 2026 with pre-operational trials across the network from summer 2025. The new generation of TGV claims to be 20 per cent more energy-efficient than trains today and 97 per cent recyclable. A partnership between experts at Alstom, a rail transport manufacturer, and SNCF Voyageurs, a subsidiary of the French National Railway Company (SNCF), has worked on the TGV M project since 2016. According to an SNCF press release: 'The arrival of the new TGV Inoui marks a new stage in terms of comfort and innovation, offering a new travel experience in France and beyond.'
Ya Biladi
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- Ya Biladi
Morocco : Alstom rescues high-speed trains but loses market to South Korea and Spain
As announced this Wednesday, ONCF has made its decision, acquiring 168 new trains to ugrade Morocco's railway landscape. While Alstom secured a crucial victory by winning the contract for 18 high-speed trains, the biggest surprise came from the South Korean group Hyundai Rotem, which secured the largest share thanks to its factory project in Morocco. Meanwhile, Spain's CAF also fared well, while the Italian suppliers—previously key players for ONCF—have been completely left out. This 29-billion-dirham program, part of Morocco's 2030 rail development vision, aims not only to renew the current fleet but also to extend the high-speed rail line to Marrakech and introduce RER-type commuter trains. Alstom, which had previously supplied Morocco's first TGVs, retains control over this strategic segment, though its dominance is now being challenged by emerging competitors. The biggest winner is Hyundai Rotem, which secured the contract for 110 RER trains—the largest order in the program. This success was largely driven by its commitment to building a manufacturing plant in Morocco, aligning with ONCF's industrial compensation requirements. This strategic move cements South Korea's foothold in Morocco's railway industry and opens the door for export opportunities from Moroccan territory. Spain's CAF also secured a strong position with the contract for 40 Intercity trains—a significant achievement, even though the company had hoped for a larger share. CAF benefited from the backing of the Spanish Official Credit Institute, which provided financing for ONCF's acquisition of the trains. Beyond the commercial stakes, these new partnerships reflect Morocco's strategic shift towards local industrial development, reinforcing its ambition to build a more self-sufficient and structured railway ecosystem.
