A French train start-up says that it has won an initial licence to operate on high-speed lines dominated by state-owned SNCF, the latest effort to open up France's rail market to competition.
Velvet, launched by a former SNCF executive, aims to run next-generation TGV trains on four routes in western France serving Paris, Bordeaux, Nantes and Angers starting in 2028.
It has obtained a first approval from the French transport ministry, and now needs a safety certification from the network regulator.
The French passenger rail market was opened to competition in 2020 as part of EU market liberalisation efforts, but SNCF remains the main service despite a spate of new entrants.
"This licence is an important step: It allows us to advance the preparation of our trains, our teams and our processes," Velvet's president Rachel Picard said in a statement.
