iDTGV

[scotsman]

Anyone else think this concept is genius?

Basically, iDTGV is a cheap high-speed transport system across limited routes in France. There are 2 classes, iDZEN (for those after peace and quiet) and iDZAP (for those who are a bit noisier!) plus a bar. There's also an overnight iDNIGHT service (a rolling night club with an iDZEN leated car) It's marketed mainly at young people with the promise of no onboard ticket inspections, les Inspecteurs de Billets greet you on the platform, an onboard Supervisor who ensures everyone has "a journey as perfect as possible", onboard games and prizes in iDZAP and low fares.

This is achieved through a strict policy of online booking and home printing of tickets.

Could there ever be an equivilant on a franchised TOC? Do you reckon it would take Open Access or a Charter Operator to do it?

 

[WestCoast]

The concept is cool, I could see it working as some form of open-access operator but I doubt it would work for a franchised TOC. I don't think the idea of no inspections or online-only e-tickets would work for a new Open-Access.

It's sort of like a very upmarket 'megatrain' operation with all the fancy frills.

If a TOC was to pull it off, it'd be Virgin though - they could market it easily.

 

[scotsman]

The concept is cool, I could see it working as some form of open-access operator but I doubt it would work for a franchised TOC. I don't think the idea of no inspections or online-only e-tickets would work for a new Open-Access.

It's sort of like a very upmarket 'megatrain' operation with all the fancy frills.

If a TOC was to pull it off, it'd be Virgin though - they could market it easily.

Pretty much my thoughts exactly

 

[stut]

I've used it a few times now. I love the concept, and particularly the prices (the 1st class in particular - it's really very little more than 2nd). However... The boarding process, at Paris-Est at least, is far from smooth. The trains are often coupled TGVs, where half the train is iDTGV and half is normal, but very little signage to explain where you should go (and yes, I do speak French!) You can turn up as early as you want, but if the platform's only announced 10 minutes before boarding, you've got an almighty stramash at the platform end. And if your barcode fails to scan after you've been queuing for 5 minutes, and you get sent to the information desk to print a new one at a fee... Well, that's no fun.

When it works, though, it's great. And once you're on board, well, you're on a TGV. And that's always good.

 

[sprinterguy]

I’d never heard of this concept before. Sounds fantastic. I really want to give one of these iDTGV trains a whirl sometime. I’d love to see something like that over here, and along with others I think that it would be right up Virgins’ street if they wished to take up the mantle.

 

[starrymarkb]

There would be a huge uproar from some quarters, much like there was with megatrain.

 

[scotsman]

There would be a huge uproar from some quarters, much like there was with megatrain.

Shame, because this could really tempt students off the coaches

 

[starrymarkb]

Shame, because this could really tempt students off the coaches

I'd be tempted too

 

[scotsman]

I'd be tempted too

All night train perty! Yaldi!

 

[Oliver]

All night train perty! Yaldi!

Here's the English language link:

http://www.idtgv.com/en

 

[scotsman]

Here's the English language link:

http://www.idtgv.com/en

I've seen it, thanks

 

[umontu]

As a student this service would tempt me and the fact that they've realised (unlike most other services aimed at students) that some students don't want 24/7 parties means this is great.
This through the channel tunnel to places in Europe would be perfect, like nightstar services would have been?
I remember going on a 24 hour non stop coach ride to the south of France last January... Having a choice between the drinking and quiet on that would have been nice. Not only that but it would have been quicker too.

Concidering the port restrictions (eg not using the eurostar without going through customs) then the idea of a ticket inspection before departure would suit this perfectly.
I think this is a viable service if someone could pull it off, as others have said Virgin would be the most likely to do it.