Monaco Enhances Rail Service with Acquisition of Two New Trainsets

Monaco has furthered its commitment to enhancing regional rail connectivity with the recent procurement of two REGIO N2 trainsets. This development follows a funding agreement inked on December 20 between the Prince’s Government and SNCF Sud Azur. Set to service the Grasse-Cannes-Ventimiglia route, which traverses Monaco, these trainsets each hold nearly 500 seats, thereby significantly boosting the capacity for commuters by accommodating around 1,000 passengers in total.

The addition of these trains is part of a broader initiative to augment the frequency and quality of service during peak travel times. Plans include deploying four extended trainsets in the morning and evening between Cannes and Monaco, as well as ensuring a train frequency of every 15 minutes throughout the day. This enhancement is in response to the increased activity at the Monaco Monte-Carlo station, which is the third busiest TER hub in the region, serving 8 million travelers in 2023 and experiencing a 20% surge in traffic in the first half of 2024.

These enhancements are backed by a significant financial commitment, with a €40.4 million grant from Monaco and additional funding from the Region for operational costs. Slated to be operational by the second quarter of 2027, the trains will be maintained at the newly established Nice Saint-Roch facility, which aims to minimize maintenance downtime that was previously managed in Marseille. This initiative underscores Monaco's dedication to promoting sustainable transportation options that reduce dependency on private vehicles and facilitate easier access to the Principality for both workers and tourists.