SNCF Unveils “Oxygen” Train to Replace Corail Intercities
- VILLENEUVE-SAINT-GEORGES, France – France's intercity rail network is poised for a significant upgrade with the introduction of new "Oxygen" trains.The first of 28 trains was unveiled Thursday at...
- Barring further delays, these trains are slated to begin operating on the national rail network in December 2026, with passenger service expected to commence in 2027.
- The "Oxygen" trains promise a more comfortable and accessible travel experience.
New ‘Oxygen’ Trains to Revitalize French Intercity Rail
By [Your Name or News Agency]
VILLENEUVE-SAINT-GEORGES, France – France’s intercity rail network is poised for a significant upgrade with the introduction of new “Oxygen” trains.The first of 28 trains was unveiled Thursday at the Technicentre in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, signaling a commitment to modernize routes plagued by delays and aging infrastructure.
Barring further delays, these trains are slated to begin operating on the national rail network in December 2026, with passenger service expected to commence in 2027. The rollout was initially planned for the latter half of 2025, but manufacturing setbacks pushed the timeline back.
Enhanced Comfort and Accessibility
The “Oxygen” trains promise a more comfortable and accessible travel experience. Each train offers 418 seats, a slight increase from the 396 available on the older Corail trains. First-class accommodations include 101 red seats, with a premium section featuring more spacious seating for approximately 40 passengers.
Accessibility is a key focus. Design improvements provide ample space for passengers with disabilities, allowing them to remain in their wheelchairs or transfer to a standard seat and secure their folded wheelchair. Grab bars and strategically placed SOS buttons offer additional assistance. Moreover, cars feature Braille and tactile signage for visually impaired passengers, and raised seats accommodate guide dogs.
For added security, video surveillance cameras are installed throughout the train.Each train also includes 10 designated bicycle spaces, complete with numbered reservations and charging outlets for electric bikes.
Addressing Rail Network Concerns
The introduction of these trains comes amid growing concerns about the state of France’s intercity rail lines.In April, frustrated users and local officials organized “anger trains” to Paris, demanding increased investment in what they described as “neglected lines,” particularly the Paris-Clermont Ferrand (POLT) route.
Advocates have criticized the lack of investment in the classic rail network since the introduction of high-speed TGV lines in 1981. They argue that comprehensive upgrades are needed, including replacing rails, ties, ballast, catenary posts, and contact wires, as well as ensuring locomotives are in proper working order.
The urgency of the situation was highlighted in January 2024 when approximately 700 passengers were stranded overnight on the POLT line, turning a 3.5-hour journey into an 11-hour ordeal.
Currently, renovation work is underway on a 70-kilometer stretch of track between Paris and Orleans, causing service disruptions between 10 a.m.and 3 p.m. until August, and then from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until January.
Significant State Investment
The French government is investing approximately €700 million in the 28 “Oxygen” trains, with an additional €150 million allocated for maintenance. The POLT line (700 km) and the clermont-Paris line (420 km) serve 2.6 million and 1.9 million passengers annually, respectively.
SNCF Voyageurs,the French national rail operator,plans to acquire 22 additional “Oxygen” trains for the Bordeaux-Toulouse-Marseille line,with deliveries expected in 2029. This €650 million project is fully funded by the state as part of its commitment to regional connectivity.
While the initial train was partially manufactured in Spain, the remaining 42 trains will be assembled at the Reichshoffen factory in the Bas-Rhin region of France.
According to Alain Picard, CEO Director of CAF France, the state will decide in 2028 whether to order more “Oxygen” trains to replace the existing Corail intercity fleet.
“it depends on the projects of the State on other intercity lines. for exmaple, we heard about a Nancy-Lyon which coudl even descend lower, so to see what the state decides,” he added.
New ‘Oxygen’ Trains to Revitalize French Intercity Rail: Your Questions Answered
What are the “Oxygen” trains adn why are they being introduced?
The “Oxygen” trains represent a significant upgrade to France’s intercity rail network.The first of these new trains was unveiled on April 24, 2024, signaling a commitment to modernize routes facing delays and aging infrastructure. According to the article, the introduction aims to address growing concerns about the state of France’s intercity rail lines and offer a more comfortable and accessible travel experience.
when will the “Oxygen” trains start operating?
Barring further delays, the “Oxygen” trains are slated to begin operating on the national rail network in December 2026, with passenger service expected to commence in 2027, according to the source article.
What are the key improvements of the ”Oxygen” trains?
The “Oxygen” trains promise several improvements for passengers. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Increased Capacity: Each train offers 418 seats, a slight increase from the 396 seats on the older Corail trains.
- Enhanced Comfort: First-class accommodations will include 101 red seats, with a premium section featuring more spacious seating.
- Improved accessibility: Design improvements provide ample space for passengers with disabilities, including space for wheelchairs, grab bars, and SOS buttons.
- Accessibility for Visually Impaired: braille and tactile signage are included, along with raised seats for guide dogs.
- Security Features: Video surveillance cameras are installed throughout the trains.
- Bicycle Spaces: Each train will have 10 designated bicycle spaces with numbered reservations and charging outlets for electric bikes.
How does the new train compare to the old one?
The main point of reference in the article is the older ‘Corail’ trains. Here’s a fast comparison:
| Feature | “Oxygen” Trains | Corail Trains |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 418 seats | 396 seats |
| Accessibility | Improved with wheelchair spaces, grab bars, Braille signage, etc. | Less accessible |
| Bicycle Facilities | 10 spaces with reservations and charging | Not mentioned in the provided text |
Why is the French government investing in new intercity trains?
The investment in the “Oxygen” trains comes amid concerns about the condition of France’s intercity rail lines. Users and local officials have voiced their frustrations with neglected lines, particularly the Paris-Clermont Ferrand (POLT) route. The government’s investment is intended to modernize the network and improve the travel experience.
How much is the French government investing in the “Oxygen” trains?
The French government is investing approximately €700 million in the 28 “Oxygen” trains. Additionally, €150 million has been allocated for maintenance, according to the article.
Which lines will the “Oxygen” trains serve?
The initial rollout will see these trains operating on the national rail network. SNCF Voyageurs plans to acquire 22 additional “Oxygen” trains for the Bordeaux-Toulouse-Marseille line, with deliveries expected in 2029.
What are the concerns regarding the existing intercity rail network?
There are growing concerns about the state of France’s intercity rail lines. critics point to a lack of investment in the classic rail network since the introduction of high-speed TGV lines in 1981 and advocate for extensive upgrades to infrastructure, including replacing rails, ties, and catenary posts. These concerns have led to frustrated users and local officials organizing protests, such as “anger trains.” The article highlights incidents like the January 2024 incident, where approximately 700 passengers were stranded overnight on the POLT line, underlining the urgency of the situation.
Where are the “Oxygen” trains being manufactured?
While the initial train was partially manufactured in Spain, the remaining 42 trains will be assembled at the Reichshoffen factory in the Bas-Rhin region of France.
Will more “Oxygen” trains be ordered in the future?
According to alain Picard, CEO Director of CAF France, the state will decide in 2028 whether to order more “Oxygen” trains to replace the existing Corail intercity fleet. The decision depends on the state’s future plans for other intercity lines.