Thalys to Cease Running Economy IZY Trains as of July
Thalys to Discontinue Low-Cost Service IZY from July 10
High-speed train operator Thalys has announced the termination of its low-cost service IZY, effective from July 10. The service, which offered an affordable travel option between Brussels and Paris, will no longer be available.
The company has decided to integrate all connections between Brussels and Paris under the Thalys brand. The reduced IZY service, which saw the use of Thalys's iconic red trains instead of the white and green IZY ones, will now cease operation.
Thalys spokesperson Matthias Baertsoen said, "For reasons of clarity, all journeys will be under the Thalys brand from July 10 onwards." This shift necessitates that customers utilize Thalys's facilities and allows for easier rebooking or cancellation processes. Furthermore, Thalys guarantees a reduced journey time since all trains will now operate on the fast track.
Since its inception, IZY trains have transported millions of passengers, with approximately 1.2 million travellers during the first three years. The majority of IZY users are leisure travelers, students, and young people, constituting a significant share of the market.
The discontinuation of the IZY service raises questions about the affordability of train travel for the younger demographic. To address this concern, Thalys has indicated it will introduce special fares for young people to maintain their customer base.
Beginning July 10, passengers under 26 years old will be able to book tickets starting at €24. Thalys also plans to increase the number of discounted tickets available to accommodate rising demand. The new fares will reportedly provide flexibility, competitive prices, and access to Thalys's extensive network linking major European cities such as Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne.
Passengers can now expect faster travel times, taking just 1 hour 22 minutes to reach Paris from Brussels, compared to the 2 hours 42 minutes IZY required on regular tracks. By integrating the low-cost offerings within its main services, Thalys aims to cater to a wider range of travelers while maintaining its standard of high-speed rail service.
- The discontinuation of the IZY service by Thalys may spark a shift in the public-transit landscape, as the reduced travel budget-travel option will no longer be available for passengers.
- With the integration of all connections under the Thalys brand, customers can now anticipate seamless rebooking and cancellation processes, as well as implementation of special automotive industry-led finance solutions for young passengers.
- As part of the strategic adjustment, Thalys has announced the introduction of lower fares for individuals under 26 years old, potentially combating concerns about the affordability of train travel for the younger demographic.
- The fast-paced lifestyle of modern travelers will benefit from the enhanced transportation infrastructure, as Thalys guarantees a reduced journey time, making it possible to reach Paris from Brussels in just 1 hour 22 minutes.
- With its comprehensive transportation network linking major European cities like Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and Cologne, Thalys seeks to cater to a wider audience while upholding its reputation for high-quality, efficiency, and affordability in the industry.
