The new French private operator Proxima has unveiled its brand name and the first images of its trains.
Under the name Velvet, this company, founded by Rachel Picard and Timothy Jackson and financed by Antin Infrastructure Partners, will be the first private operator of high-speed trains in France. It aims to meet the growing demand for this type of transport that remains unsatisfied.
From 2028, Velvet will connect the cities of Angers, Bordeaux, Nantes, Rennes and Paris, offering 10 million additional seats per year and reducing the current saturation of high-speed trains, which leaves 15% of passengers without a seat. A figure that, according to the new operator, could rise to 25% by 2030 without an adequate response.
The company has placed a firm order for 12 of Alstom’s Avelia Horizon trains, the French manufacturer’s most modern. The heads are being manufactured at the Alstom factory, while the La Rochelle plant is responsible for the cars. The trains will be maintained at a new facility in Marcheprime (New Aquitaine).
Velvet’s proposal is based on three pillars: novelty, pleasure and simplicity, offering a unique, comfortable and simple travel experience.
In addition to its impact on mobility, it will contribute 200 million euros per year to the maintenance and modernisation of the French rail infrastructure.
Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot emphasised the importance of competition in improving service quality and encouraging the decarbonization of transport.