SNCF Class T 2000 SNCF Class T 2000 SNCF Class T 2000 trainsets, also known under their French acronym RTG ("Rame à turbine à gaz," i.e., gas turbine trainset), were the second generation of turbine-powered trains in France and saw commercial service from 1972 to 2004. Building on the successful experience of the earlier TGS and the ETG turbotrains, French state railway company SNCF commissioned the T 2000 for entry into service in the early 1970s. The objective was to offer the same service speed as electric traction ( at the time) on French trunk lines that had yet to be electrified. The first
SNCF stronger 25,000 hp (18,600 kW) engine, and broke the world speed record for conventional railway trains, reaching . The SNCF has a remarkable safety record. After nearly 30 years in operation, SNCF’s TGV system has only experienced one fatal accident, during trials rather than regular operations. In 2011 SNCF in partnership with Keolis, unsuccessfully bid for the InterCity West Coast franchise. In April 2017 SNCF took a 30% shareholding in a joint venture with Stagecoach Group and Virgin Group to bid for the West Coast Partnership that will operate services on the West Coast Main Line from May 2019 and