Paris-Brussels by Low-Cost High Speed Train? Welcome To Izy
Travelling between Paris and Brussels by TGV is arguably one of Europe's great (if quick) train journeys. Aside from the grandeur of the departure and arrival points, the ride tends to be a classy affair – especially if you book a first class seat.
But Thalys, the French/Belgian/German train operator who runs TGVs between the two capitals, has just made the route a little bit less classy.
It has introduced a new low-cost service called Izy, inspired by the huge success of no frills airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet. There are no less than four classes on an Izy train: “Standard XL”, “Standard”, “Folding Seat” and the last but not least, “Non-Guaranteed Seat”.
This last one is what makes Izy very interesting. A Non-Guaranteed Seat will cost as little as 10 euros – but, as the name brazenly implies, you might not get a seat. Fourth class travellers will be consigned to the buffet car area, which on an Izy train, won't be used as such. An NGS passenger might, if they are lucky, be assigned a seat by the train manager.
But if not, it will be a long two hour journey; the regular Thalys service will continue to deliver passengers from Brussels South to the Gare du Nord in just 90 minutes – because it uses the high speed line, while Izy is relegated to slower lines.
In a similar vein to low-coast airlines, Izy tickets can only be bought on Izy.com or using the mobile app. There are also luggage restrictions, no wifi and fewer staff.
Will It Catch On?
Given the popularity of budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair, Thalys believes it will. At present, Izy services will number just three a day. But if the concept is embraced by cost-conscious travellers, the model could spread.
While there will always be a 'first class' or 'business class' need on train routes such as these, for those who want to travel between these important cities without stumping up hundreds of euros, it could be a game-changer. And not only for those who want a cheap weekend away.
What About Business Travellers?
Cash strapped start-up businesses might embrace Izy as a way to get between the centres of Paris and Brussels at high speed for a fraction of the normal price. Compared to much slower modes of low-cost transport, such as MegaBus and ride sharing service Bla-Bla-Car, Izy could be very tempting.
London to Paris by Izy?
Given that Izy is partly possible due to the use of slower lines in France, duplicating such a service between London and Paris might be tricky. However, a similar model could be used to fill up unused seats with no-frills travellers. To copy the Izy concept more fully on some services, the operator would need to modify some train sets and dedicate them to a low-cost service (chiefly by gutting the buffet car so people can stand in it, it seems).
Whether we will one day be able to buy a train ticket from London to Paris for £10 will depend largely on Izy's success.
Izy began operating on April 3.
European Business Travel
Whether you're planning to use Izy or any other mode of transport for a European business trip, be sure to cover yourself with a good business travel insurance policy.
Simply tick 'business cover' when getting a quote
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