New Trains Hit Rails, Divide Users
- Twelve years after its launch, Ouigo, the low-cost high-speed train service, is undergoing a significant renovation.
- While the exterior of the blue and pink trains will remain unchanged, the interior is receiving a significant upgrade.
- According to arnaud Clapet, director of production at Ouigo, speaking to *Le Parisien*, the glass door operation has been adjusted.
Ouigo Trains Get a Refresh: New Amenities, Same Low-Cost Focus
Table of Contents
- Ouigo Trains Get a Refresh: New Amenities, Same Low-Cost Focus
- ouigo Trains: Your Questions Answered
- What is Ouigo?
- What’s New With Ouigo Trains?
- What Improvements Can passengers Expect inside Ouigo Trains?
- How Has the Door Operation Changed?
- Will ouigo Still Be a Low-Cost Service?
- Is There Any Catering Available on Ouigo Trains?
- What Are Passengers Saying About the Ouigo Upgrades?
- Are There Specific Concerns About the Service?
- What are the Key Differences Between the Old and Refurbished Ouigo Trains?
- Where Can I Find More Information or Book a Ticket?
Twelve years after its launch, Ouigo, the low-cost high-speed train service, is undergoing a significant renovation. SNCF, the French national railway company, plans to refurbish 38 trains by 2029, complementing the recent addition of 12 new trainsets.
Inside the Upgrades
While the exterior of the blue and pink trains will remain unchanged, the interior is receiving a significant upgrade. Passengers can now expect electrical outlets and USB ports at every seat, along with increased legroom. To accommodate cyclists, each trainset will feature eight bicycle hooks. Furthermore, the updated design includes dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility, allowing them to remain in their wheelchairs.
According to arnaud Clapet, director of production at Ouigo, speaking to *Le Parisien*, the glass door operation has been adjusted. “The doors remain open for four minutes while the train is at the platform, then revert to a 15-second opening duration when the train is in motion. Many customers complained about feeling trapped, especially when carrying luggage or children,” Clapet stated.
Catering Experiment on the horizon
Despite the upgrades, Ouigo will maintain its low-cost model, meaning no bar car. However, SNCF will launch a pilot program on the Paris-Brest line by the end of May, introducing a mobile cart offering drinks, chocolate, and snacks for purchase.
Initial Reactions Mixed
Early reactions from passengers appear to be generally positive. “I took it a few days ago; the seats are much more cozy, and the sockets are very welcome,” one Facebook user commented. Another user wrote, “I took it two weeks ago, it was great.” A regular passenger suggested,”It’s more intimate with higher seats. On the other hand, a suggestion: dimmed lighting at 7 am would be good because, with the new lights, it feels like broad daylight.”
Concerns Remain
Though, some travelers expressed concerns beyond comfort.”Okay,it’s the same old [thing] as the old ones but cleaner,” one user posted on X. Another lamented, “Still no bar car for 6-hour journeys.” A regular passenger added, “Vending machines with drinks would be the minimum.”
The frequency of service remains a primary concern for many. “Before, we had a dirty, late train. Today, we will have a new, late train,” one young woman quipped. Another user recounted a negative experience: “The last time I took a Ouigo, there was a delay of almost an hour. Once on the train,in my place,bananas crushed on the ground and the seat nauseating. And to top it all off, the toilets of three wagons were broken. So never again for me!”
Price Point Under Scrutiny
Beyond cleanliness and punctuality, price remains a significant point of contention. “And the increasingly high prices, are we talking about it?” one Facebook user asked.”Prices are soaring. I used to get my ticket at a low price; this is no longer the case. Too bad.” It appears Ouigo will continue to face scrutiny from its users regarding affordability.
ouigo Trains: Your Questions Answered
Are you curious about Ouigo trains and what they offer? This guide provides a extensive Q&A to help you understand the recent changes and what to expect.
What is Ouigo?
Ouigo is a low-cost, high-speed train service operated by SNCF, the French national railway company.
What’s New With Ouigo Trains?
Ouigo is undergoing a notable renovation. SNCF is refurbishing 38 trains by 2029 and has recently added 12 new trainsets. The upgrades focus on improving passenger experience.
What Improvements Can passengers Expect inside Ouigo Trains?
While the exterior remains the same blue and pink,the interior is getting a makeover. Passengers can look forward to:
Electrical outlets and USB ports at every seat
Increased legroom
Eight bicycle hooks per trainset
Dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility
How Has the Door Operation Changed?
The glass door operation has been adjusted based on customer feedback. The doors now remain open for four minutes while at the platform and then revert to a 15-second opening duration when the train is in motion. This change addresses complaints from passengers about feeling trapped, especially when carrying luggage or children.
Will ouigo Still Be a Low-Cost Service?
Yes. Ouigo will maintain its low-cost model, meaning there will be no bar car.
Is There Any Catering Available on Ouigo Trains?
While there’s no bar car, SNCF is launching a pilot program on the Paris-Brest line by the end of May. A mobile cart will offer drinks, chocolate, and snacks for purchase.
What Are Passengers Saying About the Ouigo Upgrades?
Early reactions have been mixed. Some passengers are positive, appreciating the new seats and outlets. However, others express concerns about the lack of a bar car and rising prices. Some recent comments include:
“The seats are much more cozy, and the sockets are very welcome.”
“It’s more intimate with higher seats.”
“Still no bar car for 6-hour journeys.”
“Prices are soaring. I used to get my ticket at a low price; this is no longer the case.”
Are There Specific Concerns About the Service?
Yes. Passengers have voiced concerns about:
Cleanliness: Some users have expressed concerns about the cleanliness of the trains.
Punctuality: Delays in service are a recurring issue for some travelers.
* Pricing: The cost of tickets is under scrutiny, with some users noting increasing prices.
What are the Key Differences Between the Old and Refurbished Ouigo Trains?
The main changes between the old and refurbished trains focus on interior upgrades, while the core low-cost model remains. Here’s a rapid comparison:
| Feature | Old Ouigo Trains (Pre-Renovation) | Refurbished Ouigo Trains |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior | Blue and Pink | Blue and Pink |
| Interior | Basic | Electrical outlets and USB ports, increased legroom, bicycle hooks, spaces for passengers with reduced mobility. |
| Catering | None | Mobile cart pilot on the Paris-Brest line (drinks, snacks). |
| Price | Low-cost | Low-cost (scrutiny around increasing prices) |
| Door operation | Unknown | 4 minutes platform / 15 seconds in motion. |
Where Can I Find More Information or Book a Ticket?
For the most up-to-date information and to book your Ouigo tickets, visit the official SNCF website or their mobile app.