SNCF Voyageurs & Région Sud: Zou! Rail Contract Boosts French Infrastructure

SNCF Voyageurs secures a €1.8 billion contract to operate Zou! rail services for 10 years, boosting **rail** service by 30% with new **train** investments.

SNCF Voyageurs & Région Sud: Zou! Rail Contract Boosts French Infrastructure
October 22, 2025 11:54 am
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Introduction

Following a 2024 tender process, Région Sud has selected SNCF Voyageurs to operate the Zou! rail services for the Eastern Provence and Alpine lines (Lot 3). The contract, valued at EUR 1.8 billion for operations, will commence in December 2029 and last for 10 years.

Main Content

Contract Award

SNCF Voyageurs was chosen by Région Sud to operate the Zou! rail services, aligning with the regional policy of modernizing and enhancing the rail network through competitive tendering. SNCF Voyageurs submitted a proposal that addressed the requirements of the third rail operations tender initiated by Région Sud.

Operational Details

SNCF Voyageurs Sud Alpes Méditerranée has been established to provide services for passengers in the Marseille and Alpine regions of Région Sud. The contract entails a 30% increase in services to meet the growing mobility needs of the region.

Service Expansion

The increase in services will be phased in, with consideration for the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games and the advancement of significant rail infrastructure projects, including the new Provence–Côte d’Azur line (Ligne Nouvelle Provence-Côte d’Azur, LNPCA).

Infrastructure Investment

To support service expansion, SNCF Voyageurs Sud Alpes Méditerranée will deploy 25 new Regiolis trainsets, acquired by the Region with an investment of EUR 328 million. Furthermore, Région Sud will invest EUR 46 million in modernizing the Marseille maintenance depot and constructing a new facility in Briançon to improve rolling stock maintenance efficiency.

Last June 2025, we published an article about Renfe’s cutting-edge Aranjuez maintenance hub. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

Conclusion

Région Sud has awarded SNCF Voyageurs a contract to operate Zou! rail services for 10 years, starting in December 2029. The contract includes a EUR 1.8 billion budget for operations, a 30% increase in services, and significant investment in new trainsets and infrastructure improvements.

Company Summary

SNCF Voyageurs: Selected by Région Sud to operate the Zou! rail services for the Eastern Provence and Alpine lines (Lot 3).

SNCF Voyageurs Sud Alpes Méditerranée: A dedicated company created to operate the Zou! rail services on behalf of the Région Sud.

Région Sud: Awarded the contract to SNCF Voyageurs for the operation of Zou! rail services.

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