Continued confidence: SNCF Voyageurs awarded contract for 2 Intercités lines
The French government oversees TET regional rail services—long-distance trains deemed vital for regional and national connectivity. And on 28 January 2025, it reaffirmed its confidence in SNCF Voyageurs with a 10-year contract to continue operating the Nantes-Bordeaux and Nantes-Lyon train lines. These are the first TET lines opened up to competitive bidding. The new contract begins in 2027.
A winning bid: better service, more ambitious offering, competitive edge
The Nantes-Bordeaux and Nantes-Lyon regional train lines, historically operated by SNCF under the Intercités brand, were the first TET links put out to tender. And the results are in: we’ve landed the contract to continue operating service on them, starting 1 January 2027, for the next 10 years.
These lines play a vital role in connecting major French cities not served by high-speed rail, and they are supported by subsidies. Under a competitive process first launched in 2019 and then resumed post-Covid, SNCF outperformed Renfe and Le Train with its winning bid, securing the contract on 28 January 2025.
According to the French Ministry for Regional Development, “The [SNCF Voyageurs] bid stood out for its promise of better service, more ambitious transport offering and higher frequency. Economically, it also offered a more competitive solution for the State, which guarantees the financial stability of these lines.”
1ˢᵗ
tendered process for TET train services
5
daily return trips between Nantes-Bordeaux during the week, starting in 2027
10-year
operating contract won by SNCF Voyageurs
Improved service and comfort
Going forward, the Nantes-Bordeaux and Nantes-Lyon lines will continue to use the Alstom-built Coradia Liner trains that have been in service since 2017. But to encourage more people to shift to rail and meet growing demand, the new contract calls for key upgrades:
- more seats for Nantes-Lyon service;
- increased frequency on the Nantes-Bordeaux line, with daily return trips up from 4 to 5 and a 6th return trip added on Fridays and Sundays starting in 2027;
- improved passenger comfort including coach upgrades, mobile catering, digital entertainment and more.
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