Europe's Rail Revolution: A Country's Plan.

French National Railways (SNCF) is testing a new generation of 200 mph TGV trains, which will serve both domestic and international high-speed routes, starting with Paris-Lyon and Paris-Milan. Of the 115 trains currently ordered, 15 will replace older TGVs on the Milan route from 2025, where SNCF is now facing stiff competition from Italian competitor Trenitalia. The new TGV-M trains are 25% more energy efficient, 20% cheaper to buy and operate, more flexible in their layout and design, and seat 20% more passengers than their predecessor. SNCF is also acting in self-defense against a raft of new competitors who want a piece of France’s lucrative high-speed rail market.