France’s rail operator SNCF is shaking up the country’s high-speed trains again, with a batch of new routes to be served by the budget version, labeled Ouigo. Ouigo trains are less luxurious, cheaper and usually just as fast as the traditional TGV, labeled InOui.
SNCF on Tuesday announced new Ouigo services between Paris and Brest, and Paris and Perpignan for €19, and Paris-La Rochelle for €16. In Brittany, Ouigo is extending its services between Rennes and Brest, with trains to stop at stations in Saint-Brieuc, Guingamp and Morlaix. Stations at Niort and Surgères will be served by the new link between Paris and La Rochelle.
What the rail operator still hasn’t made clear is whether some of the new budget routes will replace more expensive InOui trains on some runs, leaving behind buffet cars, power outlets and free baggage.
SNCF is also developing some non-TGV budget service to be marketed as Ouigo Train Classique.
