Paris, September 1, 2026 – Velvet, a new private high-speed rail operator, announced on Tuesday, September 1, that it has obtained its railway undertaking license from the French Ministry of Transport. This crucial step paves the way for the company to begin operating its high-speed trains in France starting in 2028, initially focusing on the heavily trafficked routes between Paris and the Atlantic facade.
A Key Milestone for Velvet’s Launch
The acquisition of the railway undertaking license is an essential prerequisite for any new rail operator. However, it is not the final authorization for train circulation. Velvet must still obtain the Single Safety Certificate (CSU), which is mandatory before its trains can commence operations.
Rachel Picard, President of Velvet, stated in a press release, “The license is an important step: it authorizes us to go further in preparing our trains, our teams, and our procedures.” This achievement signals a significant advancement for the company, which aims to enhance rail travel options for passengers across France.
From Proxima to Velvet: A Visionary Project
The project, initially launched under the name Proxima in 2024, is spearheaded by Rachel Picard and Tim Jackson. Rachel Picard brings extensive experience from her tenure at SNCF Voyages, where she played a pivotal role in developing voyages-sncf.com and transforming Gares & Connexions. Tim Jackson, co-founder of Alpha Trains, a railway rolling stock leasing company, also held key positions at RATP Dev.
Velvet has garnered considerable attention due to the substantial financial backing it has secured. Antin Infrastructure Partners has raised 1 billion euros to finance the venture, covering the acquisition of rolling stock and operational launch costs. Velvet positions itself as the “first independent French high-speed train company,” poised to capitalize on the liberalization of passenger rail transport in France.
A Fleet of Twelve Alstom High-Speed Trains
To realize its ambitious plans, Velvet has placed an order for twelve Avelia Horizon trains from Alstom. These double-deck trains represent the latest generation of high-speed rolling stock from the French manufacturer, capable of speeds exceeding 300 km/h.
The production of these trains involves several Alstom industrial sites across France, with La Rochelle responsible for passenger coaches and Belfort for the power cars. The project has moved beyond the conceptual stage; in April 2026, Velvet unveiled and christened its first trainset at Alstom’s La Rochelle facility. This train will now undergo various testing phases before commercial service begins. Maintenance for the fleet will be managed at Marcheprime, near Bordeaux.
Focus on the Atlantic Corridor by 2028
Rather than attempting to cover the entire French rail network immediately, Velvet has strategically chosen to concentrate its initial efforts on the western region of the country. Its proposed routes include direct links between Paris and Bordeaux, Paris and Rennes, and Paris, Angers, and Nantes, with average journey times of approximately two hours.
This strategic choice inevitably places Velvet in direct competition with SNCF. However, Rachel Picard emphasizes a strategy centered on increasing overall service availability rather than merely diverting passengers from existing operators. She believes that the demand for train travel is substantial enough to accommodate new entrants in the market.
In an April 2026 interview with Le Monde, Picard explained that Velvet’s objective is not to poach SNCF’s customers but to contribute to the growth of the broader rail market. With its initial fleet of twelve trains, Velvet will remain a relatively modest player compared to SNCF’s extensive fleet of several hundred TGV trains.
Anticipating Increased Demand and Market Growth
Velvet’s entry into the French high-speed rail market is expected to offer consumers more choices and potentially drive innovation in services and pricing. The company’s focus on key routes in western France aims to address existing demand and attract new passengers to rail travel, aligning with broader goals of sustainable transportation.
The launch of Velvet represents a significant development in the ongoing liberalization of the European rail sector, promising a more competitive landscape for travelers. As the company moves closer to its 2028 operational target, further details on ticketing, specific schedules, and onboard services are anticipated.
Source: RTL.fr
