As SNCF Chairman from 1958 to 1975, André Ségalat created the high-speed Paris-Lyon line—a revolution in rail. For the first time in an industrialized country, rail came into its own for long-distance, high-speed passenger transport. Other innovations during this period included the new Capitole service linking Paris-Austerlitz station and Toulouse, Sernam freight service, the new Vermeil and InterRail travel passes, and the all-in-one Carte Orange pass for commuters in the Paris region. Electronic bookings were also introduced under Mr Ségalat’s chairmanship.