New budget trains could ‘fragment’ European rail network, warn experts

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As low-cost high-speed trains spread across France, leading European rail experts have warned that the concept risks “undermining” and “fragmenting” the concept of a rail network. Journeys are as quick as with normal TGVs, but “secondary” rail hubs are used for many services: in the Paris region, departure points include Marne-la-Vallée, the suburb of Massy nine miles south of the centre, and Charles de Gaulle airport. “But Ouigo’s point-to-point business model hives off some plum routes and so undermines the whole idea of the network.” Mark Smith, founder of the Seat61.com international rail website, describes the concept as “a budget airline on rails.” “This reduces the frequency of the main SNCF TGV product and fragments the existing network,” he said. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events A British passenger who has used Ouigo between Strasbourg and Paris said: “Apart from having to be at the station earlier, I didn’t notice much of a difference in service – although there was definitely one in price.” Pan-European rail liberalisation is due to take effect in 2020.