While UK rail is currently operating both fewer trains and with less capacity (owing to social-distancing rules), we see a different picture across the Channel.

Secretary of State for Transport Jean-Baptiste Djebbari has announced that normal SNCF TGV services will resume on June 24.

Leparisien.fr reports that SNCF is currently operating a limited TGV schedule, and on these services social distancing measures mean that “a restriction of one seat out of two [is available for sale]”

But when TGV services return to normal later this month the plan is for these high-speed trains to make 100 per cent of seating available for sale.

Jean-Baptiste Djebbari has invited SNCF not to increase its ticket prices this summer, despite revenue losses during lockdown.

What about social distancing should all seats now be made available for sale?

Jean-Baptiste Djebbari still aims to maintain this by ensuring “the supply of trains exceeds demand”.

Another publication sortiraparis.com reports that full train service will also apply to TGV Ouigo and Intercity schedules.

sncf.com, raileurope.co.uk