France's government-owned SNCF railway company has launched a euro19 ($25) fare on its high-speed TGV trains between Paris and Marseilles to challenge domestic air transport. A new type of 320km/h (200mph) twin-deck electric train will offer different levels of passenger service on each deck. The main airline competitor is no-frills carrier EasyJet, which offers a fare of €54, with Air France providing full service travel for €94. The European Union forbids subsidies to airlines, but does not lay such restrictions on rail transport.
Source: Flight International