Fireside Chat: The Rise of Low-Cost Rail Travel: The European Success of OUIGO

17 Mar 2026
Platform 4

How can a low-cost rail offering expand mobility without compromising traditional services? OUIGO's strong performance across France, Spain and Belgium demonstrates how SNCF Voyageurs has successfully adapted to changing long-distance travel needs. 

This success is underpinned by a fully reimagined operating model, encompassing operations, distribution and the end-to-end customer experience. Just as importantly, it relies on clear and disciplined brand positioning to ensure the low-cost offer complements, rather than competes with, existing services. 

Join this fireside chat for an inside look at OUIGO's low-cost rail model, the strategic choices behind its rapid growth and the lessons learned along the way, with insights from Jérôme Laffon, CEO of OUIGO.

Moderator
Patrick Heuguet
Patrick Heuguet, Distribution Senior Advisor Passenger Department - UIC - International union of railways
Panelist
Jerome Laffon
Jerome Laffon, CEO - OUIGO