And if the SNCF and the SNCB launched a remake of IZY ? Launched in 2016, the low-cost subsidiary of Thalys disappeared from the radar last summer after six years' service between Paris and Brussels. The project unveiled on 18th July by the Franco-Belgian duo is reminiscent of this intermediate positioning: longer journey times at lower fares. But neither the 'low-cost' concept nor IZY are mentioned in the press release.
"In order to offer passengers a new service between Brussels and ParisTo complement existing high-speed services, SNCB and SNCF Voyageurs are studying the possibility of creating a new regular passenger rail service using conventional high-speed services by the end of 2024."say the two partners.
Everything could go very quickly for this new subsidiary dedicated to the Paris-Brussels route. Except perhaps for the train itself... The project provides for "an intermediate journey time between road and high-speed rail". "The aim is to enable as many passengers as possible to make this international journey as quickly as possible and at a competitive price."says the press release.
IZY had opted for a journey just under an hour longer than that of Thalys. According to the information published by transport specialist mobilithib - based on the form submitted by SNCF to the French Transport Regulation Authority (Autorité de Régulation des Transports) - the future service should be provided by between 2h50 and 3h10compared with 1h30 for the high-speed version. five times a day. Stops will be made at the following stations Creil, Aulnoye-Aymeries, Mons, Brussels Central, Brussels South and Brussels North. As for the planned start-up date, the document sets it at 15 December next.
