Fewer station stops to speed up TGVs

Some towns may lose their TGV stations in moves by the government to cut losses at SNCF and put the network on a new financial footing.

Connexion journalist Connexion journalist

Published Wednesday 25 October 2017 - 15:00 Modified Wednesday 25 October 2017 - 15:00

Transport Minister Elisabeth Borne called for a “return to a proper economic system” and said more stations meant longer journeys and having 230 stations meant high-speed TGVs spent 40% of their time on low-speed ordinary tracks.

TGVs have long been favoured over ordinary TER trains but that has also meant local councils battling to host a station to bring in visitors and businesses. However, despite receiving 16% of rail funding TGVs bring in just 1% of business.