TGV: AN EXPERIENCE ON THE FRENCH HIGH SPEED TRAIN

	In the summer of 1993, I took the TGV between Tours and
Paris.  Upon arriving at the station, I found that there were many
commuters who used the train.  The train station was very clean
and efficient; in fact, we arrived only minutes before the train
left but were able to get tickets immediately.  On the train, we
had excellent seats.  When we were aboard the train, the
electrical poles were like a wall.  The train was moving so
quickly that you could barely see them as distinct.  We took the
TGV Atlantique
so we were going at 300km per hour.  Despite the speed, the ride
was very comfortable.  On our way to the dining car, we found that
it was like we were walking on the sidewalk.  It was so smooth.

	Once we got to the dining car, we discovered some good foods
and drinks.  We didn't eat anything because the ride was only 45
minutes long.  In Paris, we arrived at Gare de Montparnasse and
were soon in the middle of the city.  Access to the subway at the
station was so simple that we didn't stay longer than a minute.

	I think it was so smooth because it was on a dedicated, high
speed track.  If Canada or the United States were to adopt the
train, I think it would run well but not as smoothly.  The price
was reasonable, and we have never travelled in a train so
efficient and accommodating.


Jonathan English