In March we reported on SNCF’s proposal to have a three-tier mainline rail system.
Now SNCF’s plans have taken a step further, with what it is describing as the “Oslo” project.
IRJ reports that SNCF has applied to rail regulator Arafer to operate two mainline routes: Paris (Bercy) to Lyon and Nantes.
Paris to Lyon and Nantes amongst first routes in SNCF’s OSLO proposalshttps://t.co/bg3qmTuqZq
— IRJ (@railjournal) June 23, 2021
SNCF would use conventional loco-hauled Corail rolling stock which would be refurbished.
Conventional Corail rolling stock is considered some of the best in mainland Europe in terms of comfort and ride quality.
Trains would operate at a maximum speed of 100mph which means they would be using classic, rather than high-speed lines, to save money on toll fees.
Each train would accommodate between 500 and 800 passengers depending on destination.
With its Oslo project SNCF would seem to be emulating what Germany’s Flixtrain, a new entrant and member of All Rail EU, had planned.
In its home country Flixtrain competes with Deutsche Bahn but deploys conventional trains rather than the ICEs used by the latter.
As we reported previously Flixtrain abandoned its plans for the French domestic market owing to the high costs of operation.
