2023-09-22 10:00:38
SNCF’s “Botox” program has been officially unveiled with the aim of extending the lifespan of TGVs. According to Alain Krakovitch, director of TGV and Intercités, “ One hundred and four trainsets will have their lifespan extended ». This program, which is an integral part of the TGV renovation, will require a considerable investment of between 500 million and 1 billion euros. The aluminum trainsets, resistant to corrosion, will benefit from a ten-year extension. On the other hand, the steel trainsets will be extended by two to six years. The details of the work schedule are precise: “ It takes one year of study then two weeks to one month of work to extend the lifespan of a TGV train from two to six years and three years of study then four to six months of work to go up to at ten years old », adds the manager.
A renovation of the TGVs which will be expensive
Safety plays a central role in the renovation of TGVs through the “Botox” program. “ This program must be conducted 100% safely », insists Alain Krakovitch. The program includes a rigorous inspection of essential parts such as brakes, engine and spark plugs. The first renovated, or “botoxed,” trainsets will be put into circulation from 2026. For trains extended from two to six years, the renovation of the TGVs will involve the replacement of seats, armrests and power sockets. The toilets and bar will also be renovated. In the case of trains extended for ten years, the interior will be completely redone to TGV Atlantique standards.
The SNCF victim of its success
While the need for rail transport continues to grow, the SNCF is struggling to meet demand. A record 24 million passengers on main lines was reached this summer, and the company might have sold 15% to 20% more tickets if it had more seats available. This situation has contributed to the increase in prices, which is not without consequences on public opinion. Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, specifies that the company does not have the economic capacity to order more new TGV M trainsets from Alstom, although 115 are already planned for delivery between the end of 2024 and 2032.
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