Portal:Trains/Featured article/Week 51, 2005

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The TGV is France's train à grande vitesse; literally "high-speed train". Developed by Alsthom (now Alstom) and SNCF and operated primarily by SNCF, it connects cities in France and in some other neighbouring countries, such as Belgium, Italy and Switzerland with the network centred on Paris. TGVs under other brand names connect France with Germany and the Netherlands (Thalys) and the United Kingdom (Eurostar). Trains derived from TGV design also operate in South Korea (KTX), and Spain (AVE). Development of high-speed rail transport in France began in the 1960s. After a lengthy period of testing, TGV operation began in 1981 with an initial line between Paris and Lyon. TGVs travel at up to 320 km/h (200 mph). This is made possible by the use of tracks specifically designed for the purpose without any sharp curves. Trains are built with features which make them suitable for high speed running including high-powered electric motors, articulated carriages and in-cab signalling which removes the need for drivers to see lineside signals at high speed. TGVs are manufactured primarily by Alstom, now often with the involvement of Bombardier. Except for a small series of TGVs used for postal freight between Paris and Lyon, TGV is primarily a passenger service.

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