The Light Train project is being carried out in partnership with 10 companies, led by SNCF and including Thales Group, Texelis, CAF, Wabtec, Railenium, Ferrocampus, Alstom, Capgemini, Cerema and Ektacom.
The main objective of the project is to revitalise and reopen smaller TER railways lines in France by offering more services at lower costs. The consortium of companies will work together to explore advanced technologies and develop a new system integrating operations, rolling stock and infrastructure. It is hoped that the Light Train project will lead to an overall reduction of 30% in costs over its entire lifecycle.
The first train concept as part of the project is the Leger low-floor, low weight, two-car train for passenger and freight transport, with a range of 250km. It is being developed at a cost of €50m by SNCF in partnership with Alstom, Wabtec, and CAF. Testing of the new train will begin in 2024.
The train will feature a single modular platform that can be fitted out to meet all types of different requirements. Its low weight and use of high-performance motors using batteries, or even a combination of batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, will greatly reduce its carbon footprint.
Other innovative features of the train include a flexible suspension for a smoother ride for passengers and a single driver’s cabin in the center of the train to give passengers more space and light. Furthermore, the driver interface will be digitalised and will include automated driving assistance solutions.
It is hoped that the new Leger train will be put into service in 2029. SNCF also revealed that the train could be supplemented by other innovative mobility solutions such as Draisy – an ultra-light rail car for low-traffic lines, and Flexy, which could travel on both road and rail, for lines that no longer receive any traffic.