Thalys CEO Agnès Ogier inaugurated the first IZY service from Brussels-Midi to Paris on 3 April. The new budget passenger service offers journey times of 2 hrs 15 at prices starting from 19 euros.

Thalys CEO Agnès Ogier said: “Today, more than ever, we are all citizens of Brussels and Paris. Our two capitals’ close historic relationship is founded on a common commitment to culture and the arts and on solidarity. Our aim with IZY is to tempt even more passengers onto the train and discover the two cities. Thalys is dedicated to bringing our countries closer - and IZY is the latest step on that road.”

Belgian Minister of Mobility Jacqueline Galant also stated her support for the new train: “The IZY budget service meets a need for customers seeking an alternative way to travel, and represents a new way of travelling by train which combines sustainable mobility with a value-for-money fares system.”

IZY is a new Thalys product specifically designed for the leisure traveller which meets a demand for fast, sustainable, low-cost travel solutions. With two to three return trips per day, the new purple-and-green IZY trains will link Brussels and Paris in an average of 2 hours 15 minutes, all at very competitive prices. Tickets will be on sale up to two months ahead of the date of travel, with prices starting at 19 euros and capped at 59 euros before options - thus representing an attractive alternative right up to the last minute.

(Source: Thalys)