SNCF has selected a consortium of MBD Design, seat manufacturer Compin and fashion house Christian Lacroix to develop new interiors for a refurbishment programme that will treat 183 TGV Atlantique and Réseau trainsets by 2008. Interiors proposed by three bidders had been installed in one TGV which visited 40 towns and cities across France; 61000 members of the public visited the train and voted for their preferred scheme (RG 1.03 p47).
Technical studies are to be completed over the next 18 months, and work will begin at the end of 2004 at SNCF’s Bischheim and Hellemmes workshops. It is estimated that each set will require 10000 h of work, and the first refurbished train should emerge in early 2005.
Compin is to supply over 75 000 first and second class reclining seats to a new design, with the pitch increased from 850mm to 920mm in second class. At-seat power points will be provided in first class, while second class passengers will be able to recharge portable computers or phones in dedicated areas. Refreshment vending machines will be provided and baggage racks moved from the vestibule into the passenger saloon.
