Boasting a two-storey bar, spacious seating, and touchscreen kiosks – a new series of high-speed trains has sparked debate online, leaving swathes of Brits angrier than ever
Stylish high-speed trains with touchscreen kiosks, spacious seating and a Wes Anderson-esque interiors are slated to commence services next year. It comes after rail operator SNCF unveiled its latest generation of carriages, which will whizz passengers around France in luxury, starting with the scenic Paris-Lyon-Marseille route.
The new TGV InOui trains feature nine carriages, and will increase seating capacity by 20 per cent compared to older models. There’ll be two classes (first and second) as well as a two-storey bar dubbed Le Bistro serving up ‘authentic’ dishes showcasing the very best of French produce. “The restaurant offering will remain committed to the environment by reducing waste and offering organic, vegetarian and vegan food,” SNCF said in a statement.
All seats will boast an ‘innovative foam’ meaning they’ll be extra comfortable, and will be fitted with USB outlets and lighting. First-class seats, which have been designed in a baby pink colour, are 5cm wider than current trains in the country and boast a wrap-around adjustable headrest, an armrest, and can even recline. Even second-class seats are ‘generous’ and accessible – featuring a phone holder, reading light, and extra knee room.
Images of the futuristic carriages have gone viral on X (formerly Twitter) with many branding the design ‘incredible’. “There’s just something about these 70s space age vibes that make it feel modern and retro at the same time,” said Juan Buis in a thread that has garnered a staggering 4.7 million views. Thousands of viewers flocked to the comments to praise the new trains, with another user hailing: “This colour palette and lines are to die for.” A third agreed, commenting: “Great aesthetic on this.”
However, swathes of Brits didn’t take the announcement well – arguing it highlights how bad the UK railway system currently is. “*Sighs in British*,” one person moaned. Another agreed, fuming: “In England you can pay £137 to sit on the floor.” A third criticised: “Oh how I yearn to live in a country where train travel is fast, efficient and fabulous.”
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UK train companies, which have a reputation for being consistently late or delayed, will soon be ‘named and shamed’. It comes as the Department for Transport has launched digital indicator boards at major stations showing the latest data on the punctuality and reliability of trains. Passengers at more than 1,700 stations across England will be able to scan a QR code on their phone and get data straight from the Office of Rail and Road.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era of rail accountability,” said Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. “These displays are a step towards rebuilding trust with passengers using our railways, as we continue to tackle the root causes of frustrating delays and cancellations. Through fundamental rail reform, we’re sweeping away decades of dysfunctionality – putting passengers first, driving growth through connectivity as part of this Government’s Plan for Change.”
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