US EditionVelvet: France’s first independent high-speed train operator launches
10 Articles
10 Articles
DECRYPTAGE - After raising EUR 1 billion, the French company, which competes with the public company, plans to operate its 12 trains in 2028.
Velvet, a new company of TGV 100% French, will compete with SNCF. Its first trains will run from 2028 on the Atlantic facade. With a big challenge: to be known to the other two companies already installed, Trenitalia and Renfe. - "In 2028, you can ride with us": how the company Velvet will compete with SNCF on the Atlantic facade (Transports).
1st July 2025. A landmark day in the world of rail transport: Proxima becomes Velvet, and appears as the new player of the high rail speed on the Atlantic network. With a fleet of brand new Alstom trains, this new operator is preparing to shake the SNCF as early as 2028. Back from its foreign competitors targeting the South-East, Velvet bets on the West. Rachel Picard, co-founder of the company, sees it as not a bet but a necessity. His observat…
Velvet, a new player in the French rail market, is positioning itself as a determined rival to SNCF. The company intends to shake up the sector by offering an alternative service on certain lines of the national network.
In the start-blocks, the private companies Velvet (ex-Proxima) and Le Train aim to compete with SNCF on the Atlantic facade from 2028. Both have Rennes in the viewfinder.
Velvet: France’s first independent high-speed train operator launches
Velvet has officially launched as France’s first independent high-speed train operator. The new brand promises to shake up the market with a modern, sustainable and customer-focused approach to long-distance train travel.The story of Velvet began when co-founders Rachel Picard and her partne
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center, 50% of the sources lean Right
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
