The Mobility Week In Review

New TGV service brings Paris and Berlin closer together

The success of this service will send a clear message about the demand for “slow travel” in Europe.

New TGV service brings Paris and Berlin closer together
Miguel Elizondo |

This edition of The Mobility Week in Review explores a range of key developments: the new high-speed rail link between Paris and Berlin, BlaBlaCar’s expansion into Turkey, Germany’s call for electric vehicle subsidies, fare hikes in London, Sweden and Belgium’s investment in electric buses, GM’s plans for Cruise, and Waymo’s international expansion.

Let’s dive in!

New TGV service between Paris and Berlin launches

Paris and Berlin are now closer than ever. Starting December 16, a new high-speed rail route offers faster, more direct daily service between the two vibrant capitals, all at a competitive price. Rail operators tout it as the first service connecting the cities “from city center to city center”. Currently, traveling between Paris and Berlin during the day requires a connection, with journeys typically taking between 9 and 10.5 hours. An experience that the new service is set to enhance.