With the high speed
train (TGV) set in motion on the track París-South -East in
September 1981, the rail industry began a new stage in its history. It
went from 160km/h to 320km/h which represents a considerable
technological jump. This jump contributed to relaunch interest in the
world for the train.
The TGV has broken the
speed record, going more than 515 km/h. It goes faster than 300 km/h on
the París-South-East line, TGV Mediterranean, TGV North, TGV
Atlantic and Paris-London via the Eurotunnel.
In the TGV, as with all
the French trains, there are two types of coaches, the "First Class"
which is more comfortable, with individual power sockets, quieter.
Possibility to have dinner in "your seat" (the hostess brings food to
you). And the "Second Class", cheaper but very comfortable. Both
classes have reclinable chairs. In the 2nd class, there is a bar with
drinks and snacks.
From the 14th December
2003 they banned smoking on the trains. It is possible to travel with
your bike (they have 4 bike places).
In June 2005, after
announcing his marriage to Katie Holmes under the Eiffel Tower, Tom
Cruise got on the TGV to Marseille. Tom was invited by the machine
operator of the train and he later signed autographs for the
passengers.
28th November 2003, the
TGV celebrated its first million passengers (1.000.000.000). The second
million is believed to take place by 2010.
