The French rail market

High levels of investment continue to be made in France’s rail system. In 2009 this was boosted by an economic stimulus package agreed between the government and infrastructure authority RFF. This will see an acceleration of new high-speed line construction and extra spending on renewal and rehabilitation of the traditional network, for which €13 billion is earmarked over the next 5 years. A major long-term re-signalling programme is also planned.

French National Railways (SNCF) continues to modernise its rolling stock fleet, with several large orders awarded in 2010. RATP, the operator of the Paris Métro and parts of the RER suburban network, is also buying new trains, while a growing number of city operators are creating business for tram and metro vehicle builders.