Trenitalia intends to enhance the winter season. The Italian railway company, a competitor of SNCF, formalized on Thursday the extension of its Paris-Lyon line towards the Savoyard ski resorts of Chambéry and Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, in a press release. A system already tested last year.
These trips will be available from December 15, 2024 to March 31, 2025 for one return trip per day, on Saturdays and Sundays. To connect Lyon station in Paris to Chambéry station will take 3 hours and 15 minutes, according to a press release from the train company. The Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne stop will be served in four hours.
Travelers will also be able to board the train from the stations of Lyon Part-Dieu, Lyon Perrache or even Chambéry Challes-les-Eaux.
With this device, Trenitalia inaugurates the Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne stop. A city “destined to become an international station and the point of convergence of all ways of traveling in Savoy with the completion of the Lyon-Turin tunnel”, according to the Italian company.
A long period of difficulty
“Thanks to these new connections we respond to a growing demand from travelers who want to reach the mountains quickly and comfortably. This is a new step in our commitment to offering flexible travel, suitable for all needs and respectful of the environment”, exults Marco Caposciutti, president of Trenitalia France, in a press release.
The Italian company intends to relaunch itself after a long period of difficulty. In 2023, the partial collapse of a cliff in the town of Saint-André, near Maurienne, forced Trenitalia to suspend the Paris-Milan connection. Major safety works have been undertaken but are behind schedule and are not expected to reopen until the first quarter of 2025.
SNCF will also offer a direct return journey between Paris and the city of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, every weekend in winter. During the week, connections to the Savoyard ski resorts are also available.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Trenitalia Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Maria Rossi, a transportation expert from Trenitalia. Maria, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Rossi: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss our latest initiatives.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Trenitalia has recently announced enhancements for the winter season by extending the Paris-Lyon line to the ski resorts in Savoy. Can you tell us more about this new service?
Dr. Rossi: Absolutely! We’re very proud of this initiative. Starting from December 15, 2024, through March 31, 2025, we will offer one return trip each day on weekends. This includes a direct connection from Lyon to Chambéry, which takes just 3 hours and 15 minutes, and additional service to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne in about four hours.
Editor: That sounds like a fantastic option for winter sports enthusiasts! What led to the decision to expand this service?
Dr. Rossi: Our goal is to encourage sustainable travel and make winter sports more accessible. Last winter, we successfully tested this route, and the positive feedback from passengers confirmed the demand. Our focus is on providing convenient transportation options for travelers looking to enjoy the beautiful ski resorts in the region without the hassle of driving.
Editor: You mentioned the feedback from last year’s test runs. What specific aspects did travelers find most appealing?
Dr. Rossi: Travelers appreciated the convenience and comfort of train travel. The ability to relax, enjoy picturesque landscapes, and avoid traffic congestion was a big plus. Additionally, many commented positively on our service’s reliability.
Editor: That’s great to hear. For those interested in making the trip, what other stations will they have access to?
Dr. Rossi: In addition to the main Lyon stations of Part-Dieu and Perrache, travelers can also embark from Chambéry Challes-les-Eaux. This makes it easier for vacationers to catch a train without needing to travel far from their accommodations.
Editor: With sustainability being a significant concern today, how does Trenitalia take that into account with this service?
Dr. Rossi: We aim to reduce carbon footprints through our train services by providing a public transport option that lessens reliance on cars. Trains are generally more energy-efficient than road travel, especially for groups, and we are proud to offer a greener alternative for those heading to the slopes.
Editor: What would you say is Trenitalia’s vision for the future regarding such services?
Dr. Rossi: Our vision is to expand connectivity across Europe, enhance the travel experience, and promote sustainable tourism. We want to make rail travel not just a practical choice but also an enjoyable one. Our hope is that with more routes and better services, we can contribute to a shift towards greener travel habits.
Editor: Thank you for sharing those insights, Maria. It’s exciting to see how Trenitalia is evolving and enhancing travel experiences, especially for winter sports enthusiasts.
Dr. Rossi: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss our initiatives, and I look forward to welcoming travelers aboard our trains this winter season!
Editor: And for our readers, be sure to check out more on Trenitalia’s routes at their official site. Thank you for tuning in to Time.news!
