Lightweight Trains And No Taboos In French Secondary Line Rescue Package
The title of this post is the same as that of this article on Railway Gazette International.
This is the introductory paragraph.
Development of lightweight rolling stock is one of several proposals put forward by the government to try and ensure the survival of much of the remaining network of secondary lines, many of which carry very limited traffic.
This problem of secondary lines exists in other countries, like Germany, Italy and to a certain extent the UK.
I will argue that Vivarail, with their Class 230 train are following a similar plan to that proposed for France.
- Lightweight well-proven design.
- Battery-powered.
- Modern interior.
- Designed for short branch lines and secondary routes.
Will Vivarail be talking to the French? Probably not, as using old London Underground stock in rural France would see a large clash of national egos.
But the philosophy could be transplanted across the Channel.
Perhaps some smaller British designs like an Aventra could also be used on French rural routes, that are electrified?
The Anonymous Widower 
Rural lines need to be automated to reduce the financial losses. The costs of a driver and guard are prohibitive for many lines.
Comment by William | March 5, 2020 |
The Class 230 trains are single-manned, as should all trains be.
Can’t see the French Unions liking that!
Comment by AnonW | March 5, 2020 |