New SNCF competitor set to arrive in France in 2028

A new French high-speed rail operator is preparing to challenge SNCF from 2028, initially connecting Paris and Bordeaux before expanding to three other cities in western France.

Velvet received its railway operating licence from the French transport ministry on September 1, marking an important step towards launching its commercial services.

According to SNCF Réseau's published timetable, Paris-Bordeaux services are expected to begin in 2028, followed by connections between Paris and Nantes, Angers and Rennes in 2029.

Further approval needed before launch

The operating licence is one of two key authorisations required to operate passenger trains commercially in France.

Velvet must still obtain a Certificat de Sécurité Unique (Single Safety Certificate – CSU), confirming that it has adequate safety procedures and risk controls.

“From the very beginning, we have made safety a reflex: every design decision and every operational choice is assessed against this standard. It is this commitment to excellence that will enable our passengers to board with complete confidence,” said Rachel Picard, co-founder and president of Velvet, following the licence announcement.

The authorisation also allows the company to advance its operational preparations, including requesting train paths from SNCF Réseau.

Velvet has already ordered 12 Avelia Horizon double-deck high-speed trains from French manufacturer Alstom, using the same platform as SNCF's new-generation TGV M.

Its first train was unveiled at Alstom's La Rochelle site in April 2026. Static testing is taking place this year, with dynamic trials planned for 2027, ahead of certification and commercial operation.

A dedicated maintenance facility is also planned at Marcheprime, near Bordeaux, with completion expected in late 2027.

More seats and potential fare competition

The company was founded by Ms Picard, a former senior SNCF executive, and Tim Jackson, who previously led RATP's UK activities.

Backed by approximately €1 billion in funding from investment firm Antin Infrastructure Partners, Velvet aims to provide around 10 million additional seats annually across its planned network.

The arrival of a direct competitor could bring lower fares and more departure options for travellers on routes currently dominated by SNCF.

Since France opened its domestic passenger rail market to competition, other operators have begun challenging SNCF's position.

Italy's Trenitalia already operates high-speed services between Paris, Lyon and Marseille, while French operators Le Train and Kevin Speed are developing their own networks.

Velvet would become the first direct high-speed competitor to SNCF on the Paris-Bordeaux, Paris-Nantes, Paris-Angers and Paris-Rennes routes.

However, its launch timetable remains dependent on the completion of train testing, regulatory approvals and operational preparations.