Summary:
A new regional train service called Zou! has been officially launched in southern France, offering improved schedules and services on the Cannes-Nice-Mentone line.
Full Story:
France’s Minister of Transport, Philippe Tabarot, and Monaco’s Minister of Infrastructure, Environment, and Urban Planning, Céline Caron-Dagioni, along with regional presidents in France and the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, have officially launched the new regional train service, Zou!, as part of the opening to competition. This marks the first region in southern France to embrace competition in its TER (Regional Express Train) service, which began in 2019. The Cannes-Nice-Menton line has been strengthened and entrusted to Sud Azur, the operator chosen through a tender. The new train service offers trains every 15 minutes from 5:45 am to 10:00 pm, providing improved service along the French Riviera. On Saturday nights, trains will operate until 2:00 am. The rolling stock has been upgraded with new, comfortable trains equipped with the latest technologies, and 22 trains have been renovated at a cost of €164 million. The aim is to enhance customer service by providing clearer and more accurate passenger information and personalized assistance. Additionally, a new supervision and maintenance center has been established in Nice for better local coordination and responsiveness, costing €62 million. This initiative by the Sud region means that a total of seven French regions will now open their TER networks to competition. According to legislation, all TER lines must be open to competition by 2034.
Source:
montecarloin
