Nice Hosts Inauguration of France's First Competitive Regional Train Service

In a significant development for regional transportation, Monaco joined French officials in Nice to mark the inauguration of France’s first regional train service to open up to competition. The ceremony, held on February 14, celebrated the launch of the Zou! train service, now managed by Sud Azur after a competitive bidding process. This event represents a pivotal shift in the French railway sector and sets a precedent for other regions as the nation approaches the 2034 deadline for full competition across TER networks.

The revamped service, covering the Cannes-Nice-Menton route, has introduced enhanced frequency and modernized trains, operating every 15 minutes from early morning until late at night, with extended services over weekends. The significant upgrade includes 22 refurbished trains, boasting advanced technology and improved comfort, representing a 164 million euro investment fully funded by the region. Additionally, a new 62 million euro supervision and maintenance center in Nice aims to streamline operations and enhance service reliability.

Monaco, whose workforce extensively relies on these regional rail connections, has expressed strong support for the initiative. Monaco’s Minister of Infrastructure, Environment, and Urban Planning, Céline Caron-Dagioni, emphasized the principality's commitment to improving transport options, highlighting the collaborative efforts with French authorities. This move is expected to set a benchmark for other French regions and potentially revolutionize commuter experiences across the country, promising a future of efficient and high-quality public transport.