This is what the new “Oxygène” Intercités will look like

This Monday, SNCF Voyageurs unveiled full-scale models of the new “Oxygène” trains that will operate by 2026 towards Clermont Ferrand and Toulouse.

More seats, services, and comfort onboard! These are the main principles of the new “Oxygène” intercity trains planned for 2026. Travelers were complaining about delays, canceled trains, and the condition of the carriages, many of which are several decades old. To address these issues, the government and SNCF have invested over 800 million euros in the new Oxygène trains. In the long term, they will replace the Corail trains with a significant innovative leap.

These new trains will travel to Auvergne and also on the Intercités line Paris-Limoges-Toulouse. They will offer a total capacity of 420 seats (317 in second class and 103 in first class), which is 20 seats more than currently. In the case of trains running doubles, they will provide up to 840 seats.

Wi-Fi on board Intercités

SNCF Voyageurs assures that, “the trains will offer a high level of comfort and equipment in first and second class.” Including access to Wi-Fi for all passengers onboard. Wheelchair users will be able to choose the class they prefer.

Another novelty of these trains is ergonomic seats adjustable via electric or manual controls, with footrests, tablets, and reading lights. SNCF aims for passengers to travel in enhanced comfort. They will have individual USB ports at all seats in first and second class, real-time passenger information systems onboard, onboard video surveillance, and a reservable space for ten bikes equipped with power outlets.

Improving infrastructure

For daily commuters, the arrival of these trains is good news. But 2026 is a long way off, and their priority is primarily to improve infrastructure, the aging of tracks, and equipment. SNCF shares this perspective. In a convention with the government, it announced plans to increase TET (Territorial Express Train) ridership by 20% over the next ten years.

To reach this ambitious goal, they plan to strengthen many existing lines. €3 billion will be invested by SNCF Réseau and the government for infrastructure works necessary to regenerate the network (€2 billion on the Paris-Limoges-Toulouse route and €1 billion on Paris-Clermont). At the same time, they announce a reinforcement of fixed installations between Melun and Moret, with an investment of €26 million.

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