TGV M: The Railway Revolution of Tomorrow

Unprecedented Comfort for All Passengers

The new TGV M high-speed trains, expected to operate on the Paris-Lyon-Marseille line starting in 2026, represent a revolution for SNCF. This fifth-generation model, the result of a collaboration between Alstom and SNCF Voyageurs, is the outcome of years of collective work. Designed to meet the growing needs of travelers, it highlights remarkable innovations in both comfort and accessibility.

The interior design of the TGV M has been completely rethought to offer a unique travel experience. In First Class, the seats are five centimeters wider and equipped with new armrests and adjustable headrests, offering greater comfort. In Second Class, a refined seat structure allows for additional legroom, with a five-centimeter gain. All seats feature three-dimensional knitted fabrics designed to mold to the body, providing optimal comfort thanks to adaptive foam. Additionally, power outlets and USB ports are available at each seat, although USB A has been chosen over the newer USB C.

Accessibility and Innovations for Passengers with Reduced Mobility

The layout of the carriages has also been redesigned for better circulation. Gone are the doors at the seat entrances: now, passengers can move easily throughout the train and access the luggage racks, which have been enlarged. This fluidity, envisioned as a “river” by the designers, may, however, lead to some noise due to the absence of partitions.

Passengers with reduced mobility (PRM) benefit from specially designed features to ensure their autonomy. A platform lift system, co-developed with the APF France Handicap association, will allow wheelchair users to board independently. The spaces for PRM passengers, as well as the toilets, have been enlarged to ensure greater comfort, thus meeting the expectations of disability rights organizations.

A Redesigned Dining Space for Greater Friendliness

Another major innovation of the TGV M is the complete overhaul of the bar car, now called “Le Bistro.” Spread over two levels, this space offers a friendly experience, with a self-service area on the lower level and a consumption area on the upper level, seating up to 28 passengers. The aim of this redesign is to reduce waiting times and offer simple, traditional, and popular dishes, such as the croque-monsieur, while emphasizing conviviality and interaction.

The TGV M, which offers 20% more seats compared to current trains, aims to enhance the passenger experience while incorporating sustainable materials, with over 90% of the seats being recyclable. After several tests of seat prototypes, SNCF and Alstom have ensured that these new trains meet passenger expectations, with improved comfort for long journeys. Initially scheduled for 2025, the commercial launch has been postponed to 2026 due to delays in testing, but the first trains are expected to have already covered one million kilometers before entering service.

With increased capacity and rethought services, these next-generation trains are set to be a major advancement in the world of rail transport, offering a modernized, more comfortable, and accessible experience for all.