TERGV facts for kids

The TERGV (which stands for Regional Express Train on high-speed line) is a special way to run trains in a part of France called Nord-Pas-de-Calais. The main idea is to use very fast train tracks, usually built for super-speed trains, for regular regional trains. This can be a good idea if those fast tracks are not used very often. However, using these tracks for regional trains can sometimes make the super-speed trains a bit slower. It can also cost more money than using the older, regular train tracks. Even with these challenges, this idea is very promising for journeys between 100 and 200 kilometers.

What is TERGV?

The TERGV system lets local trains use tracks built for much faster trains. Normally, regional trains use older, slower tracks. But with TERGV, they can travel on modern, high-speed lines. This can make travel quicker for people in the region.

How Does TERGV Work?

Imagine a special highway built for very fast cars. The TERGV idea is like letting regular cars use parts of that super-fast highway. This works best when the super-fast highway isn't too busy. If it's too busy, the regular cars might slow down the super-fast ones.

Benefits and Challenges

The biggest benefit of TERGV is that it can make regional train journeys much faster. For example, a trip that used to take a long time might now be much quicker. However, there are some challenges. Using high-speed tracks can be more expensive. Also, if too many regional trains use these tracks, it could slow down the really fast trains that are supposed to zoom by.

TERGV Lines in France

Currently, there are a few train lines that use the TERGV system in France. These lines help people travel faster between cities in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region.

Active TERGV Routes

There are two main lines that operate using the TERGV idea:

• From Lille to Dunkerque: This trip takes about 30 minutes.
• From Lille to Calais and then to Boulogne-sur-Mer: This journey takes around 55 minutes to Boulogne-sur-Mer, with the trip to Calais taking about 30 minutes.

To use these two connections, passengers usually need to pay a small extra fee. This fee is about three euros for a day.

The Successful Lille-Arras Line

Another TERGV line connects Lille to Arras. This particular line has been very successful. One great thing about the Lille-Arras line is that it does not require any extra fee to ride. This has made it very popular with travelers.