Velvet to Challenge SNCF With New High-Speed Rail Services in 2028
The French high-speed rail market is set to undergo a structural shift in 2028 when Velvet, a private operator founded by former SNCF director Rachel Picard and former RATP executive Timothy Jackson, launches service between Paris, Bordeaux, Angers, Nantes, and Rennes. Backed by €1 billion in funding from Antin, the company will deploy 12 high-speed trains manufactured by Alstom to capture demand from passengers unable to secure seats on existing state-run services.
How is the French high-speed rail market changing?
France is moving away from a state-monopoly model toward an open-access system, following the lead of the Italian rail market. According to company statements, Velvet intends to absorb overflow demand rather than compete on price. This strategy addresses a recurring issue on the Paris-Bordeaux line, where trains frequently reach capacity days in advance. The shift in market dynamics follows a French government ban on internal flights for journeys that can be completed by train in under two hours and 30 minutes, which has forced more travelers onto the rails.
The Velvet rail project is financed through a €1 billion investment primarily sourced from the infrastructure firm Antin. This follows a trend of private equity moving into European rail infrastructure, which was traditionally the exclusive domain of state budgets.
Why does the decision to bypass Angoulême spark controversy?
Velvet has confirmed its trains will not stop at Poitiers or Angoulême, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from local officials. Jérôme Sourisseau, president of the Charente department, stated that the decision is “scandalous” because the department contributed tens of millions of euros to the high-speed line’s construction under the expectation of service. According to Sourisseau, the department’s investment was predicated on formal assurances that the station would be served. The dispute highlights the friction between private operators prioritizing high-speed, point-to-point efficiency and local governments seeking regional connectivity.
How do current competitors compare?
The competitive landscape includes several entities attempting to challenge the SNCF dominance:
| Operator | Strategy | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Velvet | High-speed capacity | Launching 2028 |
| Le Train | Provincial links | Postponed (certification issues) |
| Trenitalia | Cross-border/Intercity | Operational |
While Velvet moves toward its 2028 launch, other entrants have faced significant regulatory hurdles. Le Train, a start-up originating from the Charente region, had to delay operations after French railway authorities declined to certify its Spanish-manufactured rolling stock due to safety concerns. Similarly, the Spanish state railway Renfe has hit delays in expanding its services into France, citing identical certification challenges.
Pro Tip: Tracking Rail Expansion
If you are planning long-term travel, monitor the “Autorité de régulation des transports” (ART) website. They are the primary source for regulatory approvals and track access agreements that ultimately determine when a new operator can officially begin selling tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will Velvet trains start running? Operations are scheduled to begin in 2028.
- Will Velvet compete on price with SNCF? No, management has stated they intend to focus on absorbing capacity demand rather than undercutting existing ticket prices.
- Why are some new rail operators struggling? Start-ups like Le Train have faced delays due to the rigorous safety certification process required by French railway authorities for non-standard rolling stock.
- Are there other private rail options in France? Yes, Trenitalia currently operates routes between Paris, Lyon, and Marseille.
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