On Monday, May 19, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region presented the first train set of the future TER line Marseille–Toulon–Nice. Operated by Transdev and built by Alstom, these new trains will start running from June 29, 2025. They represent a departure from the old model, as the region is focusing on an enhanced offering and increased punctuality.
Saint-Charles station welcomed the first Omneo train set on May 19, marking a new face for regional rail transport between Marseille, Toulon, and Nice. Built by Alstom, these trains will be operated by Transdev as part of the opening to competition decided in 2019 by the Sud Region.
This introduction comes with a doubling of the service offering. Fourteen round trips are announced each weekday, sixteen on weekends. A train is expected each hour on this route. For users, fares will remain unchanged. A 20% reduction in subscriptions is planned for July 1, 2025.
As part of this new arrangement, 16 train sets are to be put into circulation by November. The first eight will be available on June 29, followed by three more in July. The rest will arrive gradually. To fill the temporary gap, additional train sets have been ordered from the SNCF.
Each Omneo train can accommodate up to 400 seated passengers. In the double train set version, the capacity reaches 730 seats. The facilities include spaces for luggage, bikes, light refreshments, as well as Wi-Fi and an entertainment portal. Access is at ground level, making boarding easier for people with reduced mobility.
A 2,000 square meter maintenance center has been established in Nice to maintain the train sets. This site is part of an eco-friendly initiative. The stated goal is to ensure a punctuality rate of 97.5%.
A three-partner project for a troubled network
Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, symbolically received the key to the first train set from Thierry Mallet, CEO of Transdev, and Frédéric Wiscart, President of Alstom France. “We are the first region in France to have opened our regional trains to competition,” Renaud Muselier recalled. “This project embodies our desire to offer a more ambitious public service with a doubled train service on this route and unchanged fares, which will decrease by 20% starting from July 1, 2025.”
For the Regional President, the need for transformation is clear. He mentions a network among the most troubled in France, with only 80% of trains on time. The old Corail trains, in service for more than 40 years, will be gradually replaced.
Thierry Mallet, President of Transdev, emphasizes the scope of the project: “by entrusting Transdev with the management of this line, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region offers us the opportunity to demonstrate what we do best: bringing people and territories closer together by delivering a reliable, comfortable, and human transport service.”
Frédéric Wiscart, President of Alstom France, highlights the industrial commitment: “this Omneo train, customized for the specific needs of the Marseille-Nice coastal line, has received the French Origin Guarantee label.”
Despite the displayed ambition, the presentation on May 19 did not escape mishaps. The inaugural train set arrived 45 minutes late due to an incident on the line.
The new train sets will serve nine stations between Marseille and Nice. On board, Transdev agents will be present for customer service and security. Body cameras will complement the video protection system.
This transformation aims to allow the Region to reach 1.5 million TER travelers by 2030, compared to 700,000 in 2018. Passenger numbers will depend on the early months of operation of the new trains.
