A new high-speed line is set to launch on France’s TGV network this weekend.
On July 2, the new Océane line will open between the French capital and Bordeaux.
Alstom will supply 110 Euroduplex train sets for the service, following an initial deal that was signed in 2007 and subsequent additional orders in 2013 and 2017. The full delivery is expected to be complete by 2020.
The Euroduplex is a double-deck train from the company’s Avelia high-speed train range that comes with a new passenger information system, information screens with real-time journey information, wi-fi, and space for storing bicycles.
Alstom said that the seats come with adaptable head and armrests to maximise comfort and seats in first-class can rotate 180 degrees to face the direction of travel. The interior has also been designed to ‘create a warm atmosphere’.
Eight Alstom sites in France are working on the design and manufacture of this project.
President of Alstom France Jean-Baptiste Eyméoud said: “This new train has a lot of advantages for rail operators: with improved comfort levels, it has greater capacity in comparison with an equivalent train, thus reducing the cost per seat.
“A new air conditioning system and an improvement to the train’s aerodynamics make it possible to optimise energy consumption, thus preserving the environment and reducing operating costs.”
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