In France, a Truly Low-Cost High-Speed Rail Option

[marmar]

from the Transport Politic blog:


In France, a Truly Low-Cost High-Speed Rail Option




France’s SNCF national rail service has, since the introduction of the TGV in 1981, held to the belief that fast trains should not be segregated to serve only higher-paying passengers. As a result, fast trains have replaced all slow-speed service on most long-distance travel throughout the country; passengers are able to take advantage of fare deals that allow them to journey between cities hundreds of miles apart at €25 or less, as long as they book in advance.

This dedication to opening up speedy trains to people across the income spectrum is unique compared to most other European and Asian countries. In Germany, for instance, train service between major cities is often available at two speeds — fast Intercity-express and slower InterCity, at very different prices. In the U.S., too, a trip on Amtrak’s Acela “high-speed” service in the Northeast is routinely $50 or more than a similar journey on the slightly slower Regional.

SNCF has now extended the principle further with the introduction of its OuiGo* service this week. Attempting to spur more train ridership, particularly among car owners living in the eastern suburbs of Paris, OuiGo will offer 300 km/h TGV speed at very low prices, starting at €10 for journeys between the Paris region and the Mediterranean coast (Montpellier and Marseille, via Lyon), a trip of about 500 miles (10% of overall tickets will be as low as that, with the rest increasing to a maximum of €85). SNCF claims that these ticket prices are the lowest available in the world for high-speed trains. Current TGV tickets start at €19 for similar journeys, but generally are above €50. OuiGo tickets will always be cheaper than equivalent TGV tickets on similar journeys.

OuiGo brings the aviation low-cost concept to high-speed railways. In exchange for a cheap ticket, customers will be charged for a second carry-on bag; they’ll pay more for the use of an electrical outlet; they’ll be unable to change their tickets without a fee. There will be fewer conductors — only four per train, who will also be tasked with some maintenance. Double-decker trains will seat 1,268 passengers, not because seats have been compressed (unlike the airlines, thank god), but rather because the first class and dining car spaces have been replaced by economy-class areas. Trains themselves will be scheduled to run more often than typical TGVs, traveling about 80,000 kilometers per month, double the normal rate. ....................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2013/02/24/in-france-a-truly-low-cost-high-speed-rail-option/

[Jack Sprat]

1. I live in conservative America.

We don't believe in conservation. It's all about profit here, especially when it comes to energy. We'd kill all the dolphins in the ocean to avoid mass transit and satisfy Wall St.

[rafeh1]

2. mass transportation is not mass transportation

mass transportation is not mass transportation unless it is low cost. I use metrolink in oc and they charge $16 to $18 per rt which only goes like 20 to 25 miles. Many times the late evening train is completely empty.

This high price is stuffed on them by GM and repukes. who want the entire cost recovered in 5 years where as the high system cost wasnt recovered till like 25 years. Also GM lobbyists sticks in computations like $0.47 per mile (irs standard) as a reference to justify the high fares. Low fares fill it up and make it mass transportation whereas these monster fares are self justifying dead ends.

They cause less people to ride thus GM and repukes can come back and say mass transportation doesnt work go back to car and grind 1-2 hours on the freeways.

[In_The_Wind]

6. Hello rafeh1. Thank you for joining DU.

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In The Wind
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[Zax2me]

3. Oh yea - France has it all figured out -

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100464244?__source=yahoonews&par=yahoonews

The trouble with France, Chandler says, is that they keep falling short in key economic reports. The German economy appears to have turned a corner, he says, but "French data continues to disappoint."

[marmar]

5. And your point is?

[FrodosPet]

4. 80,000 kilometers per month?

over 2600 km a DAY? Day-um! That is some serious distance. I hope they have a solid maintenance program available, with some super mechanics working at a breakneck pace. Because breakdowns at that speed with that many passengers would be very tragic.