SNCF's new "Optimum Class" will be launched on TGV Inoui (high-speed) trains departing from or arriving in Paris on weekdays, the French national rail service announced in a press release on Tuesday.
The announcement came after competitor Trenitalia announced that starting in December, it would be increasing its daily Paris to Lyon round-trips from nine to 14, Franceinfo reported.
Currently, Trenitalia offers an 'Executive Class' on board its trains in France, with leather seats and "dishes prepared by Italian chef Carlo Cracco."
What will be included?
The "Optimum" class will be offered in addition to existing first-class tickets, but it appears it will replace the existing business class offering, which currently is available on the Paris to Lyon route.
Optimum tickets will only be available on InOui trains, not Ouigo budget services.
Passengers with Optimum will be allowed to exchange their ticket (or cancel and request a refund) free of charge up to 30 minutes after the train has departed.
They will gain access to the lounges, known as the Salons Grand Voyageur, which are currently only available to people who hold a train card (e.g. the Liberté annual card) and have paid a minimum amount in tickets per year.
READ MORE: Railcards: How you can save money travelling by train in France
Along the Paris to Lyon line, passengers will be able to select the special Optimum Plus service, which comes with a meal, notably with "local and seasonal products" and served on "non-disposable porcelain tableware."
The Optimum Plus service will also have a dedicated host on board, as well as a customer service team available from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week.
According to Franceinfo, Optimum Plus tickets should start at €108 for Liberté card holders (annual subscription), and non-Liberté card holders would pay around €200.
What is the difference from the existing offer?
SNCF already offers a 'first-class' (première) service, as well as a Business Première (business class) service on the Paris-Lyon line.
The main benefit of first-class seats is that they are larger and more spaced out than standard class. SNCF's press release did not mention any plans to change or improve seating on the Optimum nor the Optimum Plus services.
However, SNCF's first-class service does not include a meal, and it does not guarantee access to the special lounges at certain train stations.
As for business class, it appears the new Optimum Plus service will replace the existing business class offering between Paris and Lyon.
As things stand, the business class offering already gives passengers a complimentary beverage, as well as a small meal (une petite faim) if they are hungry. Though it seems the Optimum Plus meal will be more involved.
Currently, business class customers also get a selection of digital press to read, in addition to more working space, which appears to also be on offer via Optimum Plus.
Comments