FRANCO-Belgian high-speed operator Thalys International reported on February 1 a 10% increase in patronage in 2000 compared to 1999. Traffic reached 5·5 million passenger journeys, with revenue jumping 20·5% to 265m euros.
The principal Paris - Brussels route, which handles just over half of all Thalys traffic, recorded an increase in trips of 7·5%. Paris - Amsterdam business rose by 15%, and now accounts for 10% of total journeys.
The company has set a target for 2001 of a further 8% increase to 5·9 million passengers, and a 13% increase in revenue to 300m euros.
