Renfe says it is already seeking the necessary permits from French rail regulator Arafer and infrastructure manager SNCF Network. The firm is seeking train paths for services to Paris, but says it will not serve the French capital until the second phase of its entry into the market due to “technical difficulties and the imposed requirements.”
Renfe plans to use its Alstom S100 high-speed trains, which are already authorised for operation in France. The new fleet of Talgo S106 Avril high-speed trains will also be authorised for use on the French network.
As part of its international expansion plan, Renfe will establish a permanent office in Lyon.
Renfe is not the only operator looking to challenge SNCF Mobility in France. Trenitalia subsidiary Thello is planning to launch Milan - Turin - Paris high-speed services in June 2020, while FlixTrain is seeking paths for inter-city services on the conventional network.
However, Renfe is also facing the prospect of competition at home with the opening of the Spanish passenger rail market in December 2020.
