The new train, specially design for the Transilien services in the Paris region enjoyed its inaugural journey on 13 December - the first sign of the metamorphosis under way at Paris Nord station.

A nice Sunday outing!The first new Francilien train will be setting out for its first journey on Line H between Paris Gare du Nord and Luzarches on 13 December. It's a great opportunity to try out this revolutionary new train, and get the same feeling as when the old Corail trains were updated and replaced by TGVs. Do you remember the time...?

Welcome to the snake! The articulated train design, with no steps and no walls between carriages, makes you feel like your riding in the stomach of a snake gliding along the tracks. Passengers get clear views right up and down the train. Extra wide doors and carriages will put an end to the pushing and shoving. The Francilien model has 500 seats and can carry up to 900 passengers. The spacious seats and broad panoramic windows will make your commute feel like a pleasant travel experience. The colour of the lighting changes depending on whether the train is moving or stopped. The screens and video displays give permanent customer information and the on-board cameras make everyone feel safer.

A train for the Ecomobile Generation. Francilien's energy consumption is 20% lower because of all its on-board innovations, from braking energy recover, LED lighting (8 times less energy) and its brand new thermal comfort systems. The under-floor heating and air-conditioning systems are automatically controlled, based on the number of passengers. The Francilien is also a revolution for accessibility. At least one door on each train has an automatic access ramp to enable wheelchair users to get onto the train directly from the platform. The reserved seating areas for disabled passengers comply with all the latest technical standards.

Running in... Six trains will be delivered by April 2010 and will be used during off-peak times for a short running-in period. From 2011 onwards, 40 new trains will be delivered every year, with 172 trains expected by 2015 - 20% of the total fleet will be brand new! This € 1.850 billion investment, is funded 50/50 by the SNCF and STIF transport commissioning body to revolutionise train services on the Paris-Gare du Nord, Paris-Gare de l'Est and Paris-Saint Lazare lines.