SNCF to go low-cost on TGVs
High-speed trains will offer stripped-down, no-frills, one-bag service with fares under €25
NATIONAL train company SNCF is taking a leaf out of the low-cost airline's book and is set to offer budget TGV travel next year.
Radio station RTL said this morning the rail firm will offer a ticket for under €25 to destinations including Lyon, Marseille and Montpellier - however, services will not start in the centre of Paris, but in Marne-la-Vallée, a town east of the capital, in Seine-et-Marne.
Passengers will get no frills on the stripped-down four-car trains - apart from a high-speed journey - as there will be no first-class or buffet car.
They will also be restricted to one piece of luggage as the trains are to be optimised to carry the maximum number of passengers.
Ticket prices are cheaper than the low-cost Prem's fares available and they will be the same price for all seats. They will be non-refundable.
An SNCF spokesman confirmed the plan but refused to comment further. Company chief executive Guillaume Pépy revealed in December that the company was looking at low-cost operations.
However, SNCF will likely release more information in the coming weeks as it bids to stay ahead of the competition. New rival Thello - a joint project between Veolia and Italian train firm Trenitalia - is already running a service between Paris and Turin and will offer more services as competition laws ease.
Photo: Sebastian Terfloth
