It’s now confirmed. Italy’s Trenitalia will brand itself as ‘Trenitalia France’ when it launches the Milan-Paris (Lyon) service later this year.
Expected launch date will be in December which is when rail operators introduce their winter schedules.
As yet details of the exact schedules are not published and neither are the fares, but Trenitalia France has revealed more details on its product.
What we know so far are:
- Trains deployed will be Frecciarossa 1000s which are amongst the most advance high-speed units
- There will be two return trips daily between Paris and Milan via Lyon, Chambery, Modane and Turin. These will operate in the morning and the evening to suit the needs of business people.
- There will be three daily return trips between Paris and Lyon (probably two of these will continue to Milan).
We also know that there will be no fewer than four classes of accommodation, as follows:
- Executive Class (top accommodation with spacious 1-1 seating)
- Business Class (1-2 seating)
- Standard Class
- A ‘Sala’ meeting area for up to five passengers aimed at corporate users. (Possibly offered Paris-Lyon only)
Details of onboard service, catering etc have not yet been provided. But this link will give you an idea of what is on offer.
No wonder SNCF is concerned about the new service and has responded with project ‘Riposte.’
It is the first time SNCF will have to face proper competition on its home ground.
In our forthcoming November issue of Business Traveller I explain how competition has boosted high-speed rail traffic within Spain.
ALLRAIL (which represents new operators) naturally claims it will do the same to international rail traffic.
Europe needs more competition between state incumbents:
Because it will grow EU cross-border rail 👇 👏 https://t.co/ULpUNoEV0o
— ALLRAIL Alliance of Rail New Entrants in Europe (@ALLRAIL_EU) October 18, 2021
