One year ago, DB and SNCF launched the joint operation of a high speed rail service between Frankfurt (Main) and Marseille. Some 150,000 passengers have already taken international journeys on the latest TGV Euroduplex double-decker trains, characterised by their high level of comfort (generous leg room, power point sockets at every seat, dedicated seating areas for families) and strong demand continues. Germany’s city on the Main and France’s largest city on the Mediterranean coast have been linked since 23 March 2012.

As Ulrich Homburg, Member of the Board (passengers) at DB, points out, “the results achieved greatly exceed our expectations” and “due to the high level of comfort, the train offers a competitive alternative to air travel on long-distance routes.”

Barbara Dalibard, Director General of SNCF Voyages and member of SNCF’s board of directors, said “the opening of the Frankfurt-Marseille rail link is an important milestone in the history of Franco-German high speed rail transport. The results achieved in this first year – particularly the high satisfaction ratings from our customers – demonstrate the commercial success of the project.”

(Source: DB/SNCF)