Trenitalia Expanding Operations into French Market for Increased Business Growth

18 Apr, 2024

Trenitalia Expanding Operations into French Market for Increased Business Growth

Open-access company Trenitalia France, a subsidiary of Italy’s national passenger operator, is exploring opportunities to expand its high-speed services from Paris to destinations including Genova, Marseille, and Madrid. Additionally, it aims to enhance its offerings between Paris and Lyon, with a focus on attracting more business-class travelers.

Since August 2023, Trenitalia France has faced challenges in providing a direct Paris-Milano service due to a landslide near Saint-André in the Maurienne valley, disrupting the Chambéry – Modane main line. The line is not expected to reopen until November, according to SNCF Réseau.

Trenitalia France commenced operations in December 2021 with two daily return trips between Paris and Milano, expanding to three daily round trips to Lyon by April 2022. By the end of 2023, it had served 2 million passengers. Following the maintenance challenges caused by the landslide, Trenitalia shifted its fleet maintenance to France, collaborating with SNCF Voyageurs in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges.

President Marco Caposciutti outlined Trenitalia France’s 2024 goal of consolidating its Paris-Lyon route, which currently operates five return trains daily, with additional services planned during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The company plans to introduce four more ETR1000 trainsets later this year, pending approval for multiple-unit operation.

Trenitalia France aims to boost business passenger numbers, which currently comprise 44% of ticket sales, by offering executive and business-class options tailored to the French market. It has also introduced a 'Trenitalia Pro' service for business travelers, featuring flexible booking options.

Caposciutti emphasized Trenitalia France's commitment to promoting rail travel and expressed openness to adjusting service classes based on demand. While no definitive decisions have been made on future routes, the company supports plans by sister subsidiary FS Treni Turistici Italiani to launch a service from Milano to the Côte d’Azur in 2025, potentially extending its operations into France.