cigalechanta

SCNF’s answer to no-frill budget airlines: Ouigo (pronounced We go…get it?). Le Figaro reported that the service initially will operate on the Marseille-Est line that joins Marne la Vallée (where Disneyland Paris is located) with the south of France via Lyon. Prices start at 25 euros and will vary according to the SNCF yield management system. If this is similar to the current inventory management it means that, as a rule of thumb, the earlier you book the cheaper it is. The company managed to place 20% more seats on board. This translates into no café and no first class.

Ouigo service will be available from April 1st, 2013.

Christina

That sounds like the same system as now, except for no first class. YOu can get plenty of PREMs for 25 euros (or less sometimes) and the price also is cheaper the earlier you book.

kappa1

> That sounds like the same system as now, except for no first class.

+ NO voiture-bar ( as cigale wrote, no café). You would need to buy food and drinks before getting on board.

> low-cost TGV ..

And SNCF refuses to call this a "low cost". Saying this is a pejoratif terme with wich they don't agree.

That's all I heard on France Info radio this morning.

Pvoyageuse

"That sounds like the same system as now, except for no first class"

- Only one carry-on. €5 per piece of extra luggage when purchased in advance or €40 on board

- You'll have to be at the station 30 minutes before departure.

- if you need an electric plug it will cost you €2

- tickets are exchangeable (€10 fee) but not refundable

- children under 12 pay €5 per journey. Special prices for groups.

kerouac

All of the news reports in France today made it clear that it is a low cost option, and they all showed the reconfigured cramped trains -- some of them with 3-across seating and not even any armrests to separate the people.

Nevertheless, some of the tickets are only 10€ and I would put up with just about anything to cross most of France for that fare. I never have much luggage and I never visit the bar car. I don't think that people will really suffer for a three hour trip.