France's high-speed rail landscape is experiencing a historic transformation with the emergence of Proxima, now operating under the brand name Velvet. This groundbreaking venture represents France's first independent high-speed rail operator, challenging the decades-long dominance of state-owned SNCF and promising to revolutionize rail travel across the country. The Birth of a Vision The story of Proxima begins with two visionary co-founders: Rachel Picard, former director of SNCF Voyageurs, and Tim Jackson, both of whom recognized an opportunity to address the growing demand for high-speed rail services in France. Their ambitious project gained substantial backing from Antin Infrastructure Partners, a French private equity firm that committed to an initial investment of €1 billion to bring this vision to life. The company's origins trace back to 2024, when the founders identified a critical gap in France's high-speed rail market. Despite France being Europe's l...
Eastern Canada Urban Transit Infrastructure Symposium 2025: Innovations in Public Transportation Discover cutting-edge solutions for urban mobility challenges at the premier transportation conference in Toronto this May. Learn about transit project funding, smart city initiatives, and sustainable transportation development. The Canadian Institute Announces Major Transit Development Conference Date: May 29-30, 2025 Location: Novotel Toronto North York Hotel, Toronto, ON Focus: Urban transit innovations, infrastructure development, and sustainable transportation solutions Are you a transportation professional looking to stay ahead of the curve on public transit developments in Eastern Canada? The Canadian Institute's Urban Transit Infrastructure Symposium offers unparalleled networking and learning opportunities for transit authorities, municipal planners, engineers, and transportation consultants. Why Urban Transit Infrastructure Matters in 2025 Public transportation rema...