The shepherd’s response to the shepherdess? SNCF is preparing its response to the great success of Trenitalia in France, which inaugurated its first high-speed line (Paris-Lyon-Milan) almost a year ago, thus becoming SNCF’s first competitor on the TGV.
In fact, the French operator would intend to strengthen its cross-border offer by 2026-2027, mentions in particular the transalpine press. It will not be a question of launching itself into the Italian internal market (as the opening to competition allows) but of reinforcing the high-speed offer from France.
Indeed, it should be remembered that if the SNCF TGV Inoui already goes to Italy (to Milan via Turin), they cannot travel there at very high speed due to technical compatibility problems. Still, SNCF Voyages Italia has carried more than 6 million passengers between France and Italy in a decade…
The new TGV M will be the strong arm of this strategy
This brake on high speed will be lifted with Alstom’s new TGV M, designed precisely to run on foreign rail networks.
Furthermore, during the presentation of this new train last September, the SNCF management made no secret of its European ambitions. It must be said that the national company already generates 30% of its turnover outside France, in Europe, specifically in Spain where its low cost Ouigo offer finds its audience.
Thus, fifteen of the 115 TGV M trains ordered by SNCF from Alstom will actually run on cross-border links. It will therefore be the armed wing of this strategy.
According to the Italian press, no less than 14 connections would be planned, linking Paris and Lyon with Turin, Milan, Rome and even Naples. The SNCF would seek to establish a partnership with an Italian actor to more quickly resolve the institutional and strategic issues inherent to this project.
Questioned by BFM Business, SNCF indicated “it has no additional comment to make”.
Trenitalia will intensify in France
For its part, Trenitalia is also showing new ambitions in France. Encouraged by the success of its Paris-Lyon link (which also benefits the entire market), the operator is considering launching other lines.
“Our ambition is, of course, to develop; we have ongoing studies in other lines,” the head of its French subsidiary, Roberto Rinaudo, told Urban rail and transport.
“The regional market is very important and it is a great opportunity for the entire railway system (…) Our objective is not to position ourselves in all regions, but to choose some strategic regions based on the synergies that we can achieve with our high-speed lines” , said.
Source: BFM TV
