In a move that could bring back happy days of summer travel, France is launching a new cheap railpass for young travlers. It’s even called the “Happy Card” and will sell for €79 a month.
The card, which will only be available on-line and must be bought for a 3-month period, will be good for both TGV high-speed travel and ICE trains. Sadly, it’s only available to 16-27 year olds. Users will be able to reserve seats up to a month in advance, unlike the 3 months possible at regular prices.
France, where rail prices tend to be higher than in neighboring countries, has seen younger travelers turn to long-distance buses and carpooling in serious numbers, even more than in other European countries; the new pass is in part an attempt to lure the next generation back onto the trains.
