Deutsche Bahn (DB) and SNCF have extended their cross-border high-speed rail service partnership until 2020 at a ceremony celebrating the entry into service of the first ICE 3 Class 407 train between Frankfurt and Paris.
Around 12 million passengers have used the ICE and TGV service since the partnership was established in 2007. Between 2008 and 2014, passenger numbers increased by 44 per cent and at the start of 2015 they are continuing to grow.
The extension was signed by Deutsche Bahn and SNCF chief executives Dr. Rüdiger Grube and Guillaume Pepy on July 23.
“This success story, we will continue in cooperation with the SNCF,” said Grube.
In the 2016, the service will be improved further with the opening of the second phase of LGV Est between Baudrecourt and Vendenheim, which will reduce journey times between Stuttgart and Paris by 30 minutes.
