New high-speed lines, light rail boom and greater autonomy – the condition of France’s rail market in 2017

1225
Photo: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com.
Photo: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com.
Listen to this article

A new report has explored the condition of France’s rail market in 2017.

Covering both main line and urban rail infrastructure, the review details the key players in the country’s rail industry.

It also provides an overview of some of the major projects that are helping to position rail as the key solution to rising mobility demands in the country’s most densely populated areas.

According to the report, the French market is characterised by continued expansion of its already extensive high-speed network and by “increasingly attractive” regional services, where greater involvement by local authorities has contributed to traffic growth. Further responsibilities are also being transferred to the French regions.

One area that has experienced a particular boom is the metro and light rail sector. Currently there are nearly 30 communities operating, building or planning light rail systems and extensions to metro networks.

Meanwhile in the freight sector, incumbent national operator now face strong competition from open access companies that have captured close to 50 per cent of the market.

With thanks to Mack Brooks Publishing for access to the Rail Market in France 2017 report, information from which has formed the basis of this article. To find out more, the full report can be purchased by going to: www.brooksreports.com.


Read more: Progress Rail to buy Downer’s rail freight division