Proxima’s Background
Proxima was founded in June 2024 by Timothy Jackson, a co-founder of Alpha Trains, and Rachel Picard, the former CEO of Voyages SNCF. It is the first independent company to enter the French high-speed rail sector. Proxima has financial backing from several international and French banks, alongside support from Antin Infrastructure Partners. The contract also includes a 15-year maintenance agreement for the Atlantic routes. Proxima plans to commence service on these lines after 10 years.
Expansion Plans
Proxima aims to add 10 million seats to high-speed trains along the Atlantic coast. The French national railway company, SNCF, plans to utilize Avelia Horizon model trains starting in the second half of next year. The Avelia Horizon is a double-decker model capable of exceeding speeds of 300 kilometers per hour. This model combines operational flexibility, high safety standards, and a superior passenger experience.
Cost Efficiency
The Avelia Horizon model aims to reduce operational costs. It features fewer carriages, accounting for 30% of preventive maintenance costs. With the largest passenger capacity in the market, the Avelia Horizon provides exceptional service and comfort, lowering costs per seat.
Alstom’s New Investment
In addition to the train order, Alstom has received a €290,000 investment from Vinnova, a Swedish agency. This funding supports a collaboration with AI company Flox to develop a system that reduces railway accidents. The system uses deterrent sound signals to keep wildlife away from railway tracks, thus preventing accidents and minimizing damage to trains.
Maria Signal Martebo, Alstom’s General Manager in Sweden, emphasized the need to combine sustainable mobility expertise with advanced AI technology. This collaboration aims to create safer railways while protecting wildlife. Sara Nozkova, CEO of Flox, noted that their technology protects both train traffic and wildlife through deep analysis of animal behavior.
Source: BBC
