The EIB May Invest €400 Million in Budget Trains by Kevin Speed in France

Possible Support from the European Investment Bank for Private Operator Kevin Speed, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is considering financial support for a project by the French private operator Kevin Speed.

N700S Trains to be Equipped with Infrastructure Diagnostics Equipment

This project involves organizing budget transport services in three high-speed corridors connecting Paris, Lyon, Lille, and Strasbourg.

In March 2024, Kevin Speed signed a framework agreement with SNCF Réseau, the French railway infrastructure operator.

The agreement ensures the allocation of timetable slots in these corridors for 10 years, starting in 2028.

This is the first instance in France where a private operator gains access to railway infrastructure on such terms.

Kevin Speed plans to launch budget trains under the ilisto brand, which will make more stops, providing convenient connections between provincial cities and major metropolitan areas in the country.

The operator intends to offer tickets starting at €3 per 100 km during off-peak hours.

The project plans to use 20 high-speed electric trains from Alstom, each accommodating 760 passengers.

It also includes purchasing trains and constructing three depots for their maintenance, with an estimated total cost of €1 billion.

The EIB is considering allocating €400 million to support this ambitious project.

The Kevin Speed project aims to enhance the accessibility of railway transport and improve regional connections within France.

This is a significant event for the private sector and the country’s railway industry as a whole.

Photo: Wikipedia

Rail business, industry, and railway technology news from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Georgia Terminates Contract for Supply of Russian Mainline Electric Locomotives