Paris, France – The French government has launched a call for expressions of interest to supply new locomotives and coaches for the country’s night train services, marking a significant step in modernizing its aging fleet.
The ambitious €2.3 billion initiative aims to ensure the long-term viability of overnight rail travel while enhancing passenger comfort.
The move follows a surge in demand for night trains across France, with 950,000 passengers using the service in 2024—a 23% increase compared to the previous year—according to Pierre-Christophe Soncarrieu, deputy director of the transport ministry’s Trains d’Équilibre du Territoire division.
Aging Fleet in Need of Replacement
Despite the growing popularity of night trains, the current fleet of 129 refurbished coaches is reaching the end of its operational life.
The government is now seeking partners to finance, procure, and lease new rolling stock, which will eventually be made available to operators chosen through a competitive tender process.
The procurement process will consist of two separate contracts—one for passenger coaches and another for locomotives.
Contracts are expected to be finalized by the third quarter of 2026, with the new fleet projected to enter service by 2030. Each lease will last for 15 years, with an option to extend for an additional three years.
New Passenger Coaches: A Modernized Experience
One of the key components of the project is the procurement of modern coaches meeting the UIC-Z standard. This contract, valued at approximately €1.8 billion, will include a base order of 180 coaches, with an option for up to 160 more in increments of 40.
The government aims to provide a diverse range of comfort options to attract different types of travelers. Each night train formation will feature a mix of:
- Reclining seats for budget-conscious travelers
- Couchette-style compartments designed for families and groups
- Individual pods catering to solo passengers
- Two-berth sleeping compartments with washing facilities
- Luxury two-berth compartments featuring private showers and toilets
Additionally, each train will include designated berths for wheelchair users and eight cycle spaces equipped with electric charging points, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and sustainable travel.
New Electro-Diesel Locomotives
A separate call for suppliers focuses on locomotives, with an estimated budget of €500 million. The initial order is expected to cover 27 electro-diesel locomotives, with the possibility of up to 15 additional units based on supplier proposals.
These dual-mode locomotives will enhance the flexibility of France’s night train operations, enabling services to operate seamlessly on both electrified and non-electrified tracks.
A Step Toward the Future of Night Trains
The renewed interest in night trains aligns with France’s broader sustainability goals, promoting rail as a viable alternative to short-haul flights.
“The state wants to provide travelers with a wider range of comfort options,” Soncarrieu emphasized, underscoring the government’s commitment to reviving overnight train travel.
Further details of the procurement process and technical specifications will be finalized once expressions of interest are received.
If successful, the modernization project could reshape the future of night train travel in France, offering passengers a more comfortable and environmentally friendly way to traverse the country.
