Barely bigger than a minivan, the futuristically designed vehicle drives on the road and enters the level crossing. But instead of crossing it, it turns, leaves the bitumen and quietly continues its route on the rails. Direction: the next station. Or one of the following, if none of its passengers need to get off at the first stops.
Flexy, which the SNCF presents to us this Thursday afternoon in the form of a short film, will soon be a reality. If the project materializes at the planned speed, this small nine-seat electric vehicle could be on our roads and railways in 2026. Developed as part of a consortium of Milla group, Michelin and the Institut de technological research Railenium, it is one of the three SNCF innovations approved by the government’s future investment program (PIA4) on 20 March.
A double rim tire and metal wheel
“Flexy is ideal for single-track railway lines with little or no traffic,” says Carole Desnost, SNCF Group Technology, Innovation and Projects Director. Meeting points are set. The customer reserves their place using an app and the shuttle picks up people to take them to a major station. It is its double tire rim and metal wheel that allows this small autonomous shuttle to travel both on asphalt and on rails. “On the road, it will have a driver and on the rails, we will be able to regain control centrally”, projects Carole Desnost.
For the SNCF, the potential of small electric vehicles is enormous, especially in rural areas. And the director takes as an example an experiment carried out in Montval-sur-Loir, in Sarthe. “This station is served by around forty TER trains per day. But in the five towns located 4-5 kilometers around, there is no means of transport to get there, traces Carole Desnost. We have set up Ma course SNCF there. These are electric shuttles with driver, like large six-seater taxis, which take travelers to the station. The race is included in their TER subscription. This foreshadows what Flexy could do. According to the manager, many regions have already expressed interest in the small rail-road vehicle. “Flexy could also get off the rails to finish her journey to the factory or the hospital,” she imagines.
Less disruptive, but just as promising, the Draisy shuttle could accommodate 30 people seated and 80 standing on board. Its entry into service is expected for 2027. Thanks to its batteries, this very light train will be able to travel up to 150 kilometers at a speed of approximately 100 km/h. If it only travels by rail, Draisy can reduce operating and maintenance costs per passenger and per kilometer by 60% compared to a “classic” TER.
Relaunch small lines
The third innovation is a 100-seat “Innovative Light Rail” (ILT) which is scheduled to come on the market in 2029. Like Draisy, it would be ideal for reviving or avoiding the closure of very small rail lines, but also for increasing the train frequency. “Instead of running a current TER Régiolis with 200 seats, for example, we could run two innovative light trains with 100 seats or four Draisy shuttles. With more timetable proposals during the day, this could decide more people to choose the train, ”imagines the SNCF, which has set itself the objective of doubling the share of rail in the travel of French people here. to 2030.
Lighter, these two electric trains could also replace diesel locomotives in areas where the rail network is aging. “These trains make it possible to recirculate to places where you could no longer drive or only at reduced speed”, underlines Carole Desnost. The TLI could also be fitted out à la carte to accommodate bicycles or parcels.