SNCF Voyageurs and SNCB, the national train operators of France and Belgium, are considering the launch of new services between Paris and Brussels that would complement existing high-speed operations.
The two operators are studying the feasibility of launching a new “regular rail transport offer of conventional speed” by the end of 2024, and have notified their respective regulators of their intention to do so.
The services would offer a journey time somewhere between that of driving between the cities (typically three to four hours) and the existing high-speed rail options provided by Thalys (as a little as 80 minutes), according to a joint statement from the operators.
There would be “several” daily round-trips between Brussels-Midi and Paris Gare du Nord stations and services would be operated by conventional passenger trains adapted to international traffic.
Timetables and intermediate stops remain to be confirmed but the ambition is “to allow as many travellers as possible to make this international trip with the best possible duration and for a competitive price”.
The operators added: “This new project… is undeniably in line with the modal shift ambitions displayed by the two operators and political authorities in order to meet their climate objectives.”