On Friday, 14 February, key political and transport leaders gathered to launch Zou!, the first regional train service in France to be opened to competition. The event was attended by Philippe Tabarot, Minister for Transport; Céline Caron-Dagioni, Monaco’s Minister for Equipment, Environment, and Urban Planning; Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) Region; Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice; and Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs.
This milestone follows the PACA Region’s pioneering decision in 2019 to open its regional TER network to competition. As of 15 December 2023, the Cannes-Nice-Menton line is now operated by Sud Azur, the company selected through a competitive tender process.
The new Zou! service aims to improve mobility across the French Riviera with several key enhancements:
- Increased Frequency: A train every 15 minutes between 5:45 AM and 10:00 PM, enhancing connectivity along the Cannes-Nice-Menton coastal corridor.
- Extended Night Services: Trains now run until 2:00 AM on Saturday nights, improving accessibility for late-night travellers.
- Upgraded Trains: 22 refurbished trainsets, equipped with the latest technology, have been introduced at a cost of EUR 164 million, fully funded by the PACA Region.
- Enhanced Customer Service: Improved passenger information systems and personalised assistance.
- New Supervision & Maintenance Hub: A EUR 62 million investment in a Nice-based control centre, ensuring better coordination and service reliability.
PACA Region leading the way
With the PACA Region leading the way, six other French regions have also initiated the process of opening their TER networks to competition. By 2034, all regional train services in France will be required to follow suit.
Philippe Tabarot, Minister for Transport, hailed the move as a game-changer. “We are nearly 10 years ahead of the national requirement, proving that competition is a powerful tool for improving service quality. I hope this pioneering experience in the PACA Region serves as an inspiration for other regions,” Tabarot said.
“Monaco fully supports the expansion of TER services, which benefits both our workforce and visitors while advancing regional mobility solutions,” Céline Caron-Dagioni, Monaco’s Minister for Equipment, Environment, and Urban Planning, reaffirmed the Principality’s commitment.
Early success and positive Impact
Initial results from the newly competitive network are already promising:
- +10% increase in ridership due to higher train frequency.
- 97% punctuality rate, exceeding previous performance levels.
“The first train open to competition is running here, in the PACA Region, and we are delivering results: more reliable, punctual, and user-friendly transport. A win for passengers and regional mobility,” Renaud Muselier, President of the PACA Region, said.
“Public transport is a priority, and this step aligns with our commitment to investment and security. This new service model will offer a better, safer transport experience for residents,” Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, said highlighting the benefits.
Finally, Christophe Fanichet, CEO of SNCF Voyageurs, celebrated the milestone: “With SNCF Voyageurs Sud Azur, we are writing a new chapter in French rail history. Together with the PACA Region, we are shaping the future of regional rail transport.”
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