Transdev launches low-cost French coach network

摘要

French multinational transport group Transdev has launched a low-cost express coach service in France called Isilines, with services starting on 10 July. Transdev timed the launch for the date when legislators in Paris were widely expected to pass landmark legislation to deregulate domestic long-haul coach travel. It is using the international network of its Eurolines subsidiary to offer an initial 17 routes linking 30 and later 50 French cities. Most will radiate from Paris but some will connect provincial cities. They plug gaps in the domestic long-distance travel market where state-owned railway SNCF enjoys special protection but they also compete with high-speed TGV express trains. Transdev expects the new services to bring in annual revenue of €100million (£71million) by 2017, chief executive Jean-Marc Janaillac told the financial newspaper Les Echos.