SNCF’s is preparing to increase capacity aboard their trains – in particular their Double-Decker High Speed Trains.
SNCF TGV EuroDuplex – Image, SNCF
(For those of you not in Europe, Rail is actually one of the faster ways of moving around Western Europe – especially the TGV network in France which beats rail in centre-to-centre travel compared to air… so it is rather important in the inter-modal travel mix).
The TGV Duplex is used across the Southern and Eastern France TGV network, which allows for operations of 320mph.
However, it seems 456 people aboard a train is not enough for SNCF, who are taking a page out of low-cost airlines, and are planning to remove the current seats and replace them with new “slimline seats”.
Where have we all heard of slimline seats before? That’s right – most low-cost (and increasingly these days – traditional) airlines.
This will increase the seat count of a TGV Duplex unit from 456 seats to 556 seats. That’s lot of extra seats to cram into an 10 car double-decker train.
Where the seats are going to be fitted has yet to be decided – but I’d expect legroom to shrink where possible to cram those extra seats in.
Meanwhile, SNCF is looking to expand its low cost carrier segment – called Ouigo
SNCF Ouigo TVG Duplex, Image SNCF
Ouigo operates a one-class train service from quieter train stations (for example forsaking central Paris for Marne-la-Vallée on the outskirts of Paris near Disneyland Paris), operating to the south of France (such as Lyon, Aix–en-Provence, Marseille, Nimes and Montpellier.
According to The Rail Journal, plans are afoot to extend services from Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and Massy towards Nantes and Bordeaux in 2017, with consideration to services both North and East of Paris by 2020.
Ouigo TGV interior (upper deck) – Image, SNCF.
Of course, Ouigo marketing itself as a low-cost carrier means more low-cost ancillary fees.
- Luggage is charged at €5 at time of booking, €10 any time to before travelling or €40 if purchased at the station.
- Seats with plug sockets are €2 a throw
Cramming passengers is never ideal – but as SNCF races to become more competitive as it fights the low-cost carrier threat as well as coaches, and looming open access rail operators and losses, cramming more people on trains maybe the only option it has.
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