After Eurostar and more recently ThalysNow it's TGV Lyria's turn to divide its transport offer into three classes. From 12 October, passengers will be able to book tickets for travel from 10 December in either Business 1st, Standard 1st or Standard. In detail, Business 1ère will correspond to a business trip made in a dedicated carriage in the current 1st class, accompanied by associated services such as unlimited reimbursement and exchange of the ticket, a welcome drink on board, hot meals served during the journey, distribution of newspapers and magazines, access to the Grand Voyageur lounge at Paris-Lyon station and, if required, the reservation of a taxi on arrival.
For simplicity's sake, this Business 1st will be marketed by TGV Lyria at a fixed weekday fare of €191 one way for Paris-Geneva, €199 for Paris-Basel and €226 for Paris-Zurich. " Business 1st is designed for the most demanding customers who want security, reliability, service and a certain exclusivity.explains Andreas Bergmann, CEO of TGV Lyria. It will give them total flexibility and freedom, particularly for passengers making the return trip during the day who have an unpredictable timetable. They will be guaranteed seats on all the day's trains.. "
Standard 1ère will offer 1st class travel, but with no services apart from access to the Paris-Lyon lounge and the distribution of... a cookie! In-flight catering will be optional. Ticket changes and cancellations are subject to conditions. Fares will vary according to the time of day and how full the trains are. More affordable than Business 1st for companies looking to make savings, they will start at €49 to Geneva. " We're going to democratise access to 1st class.says Andreas Bergmann. 50% of our customers did not know that catering was included on board. "
Finally, Standard class will allow travellers to travel in 2nd class for a price starting from €29 to all destinations served, with fares varying according to how far in advance they purchase the ticket and its flexibility (total, partial or no flexibility). As with Standard 1st, business travellers will be able to take advantage of catering at the seat or at the bar in the form of a lunch box.
Following a new call for tenders won by LSG Group, better known for its airline activities, in-flight catering has been completely redesigned to showcase Franco-Swiss gastronomy. Their chef Mathieu Castex is responsible for the dishes served for "La Table" in Business 1st as well as the boxed meals sold at the bar and at the seat in the other two classes of travel. " We've focused on quality, choice and culinary innovation that showcases local produce while keeping prices down." concludes Andreas Bergmann, justifying the choice of LSG Group.
