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Press Kit Thalys / Wi-Fi - 14 May 2008 Page 1/16

PRESS CONFERENCE Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Thalys breaks new ground by providing innovative WiFi technology on board its high speed train network

Innovative technology at the service of Thalys passengers

Thalys Press Contacts: Hopscotch, Paris Thalys International, Brussels

Audrey Bizet Patricia Baars & Violaine Tennstedt

� : 01 58 65 00 47 � : 00 32 2 504 05 99 – 00 32 2 548 06 34 Email : [email protected] Email : [email protected]

Nokia Siemens Networks Press Contact: Anne Samson, Press Communications � : 00 33 (0)6 03 79 30 86 Email : [email protected]

21Net Press Contact: Telenet Press Contact: Marianne Alaux, Press Communications Stefan Coenjaerts, Corporate Communications � : 00 32 15 61 88 70 � : 00 32 15 33 35 33 Email : [email protected] Email : [email protected]


EDITORIAL WiFi access on board commercially run Thalys trains operating at 300 kms per hour!

By autumn 2008, all Thalys trains will be equipped with wireless broadband

internet access throughout the network. Every one of our customers will therefore

benefit from the innovative technology implemented

by Thalys.

This is not merely our response to the expectations

of our business customers, who now have the option

of dedicating their travel time to work, it is also

meeting the needs of our leisure customers for

whom a train journey must be both a moment of

discovery as well as a special experience.

Back in 2005 Thalys was the first railway operator to successfully test the provision

of bi-directional WiFi on board its trains. After three years of research and

industrial ‘fine tuning’, modifications to our trains to suit the purpose, and after a

battery of tests - all of which have proved to be a resounding success - we are

pleased to announce the implementation of broadband internet as a commercial

operation on Thalys trains.

I would personally like to thank everyone involved in meeting this technological

challenge both within the company, and in the railway workshops as well as our

technical partners – the Nokia Siemens Networks/ 21Net /Telenet Consortium.

The implementation of new technologies for our customers’ benefit is one of the

key driving forces behind the ‘New Thalys’. This year we have a packed offer with

the launch of Thalyseo, Thalys’ social networking platform set up in partnership

with Viadeo as well as the recent extension of our ‘Ticketless’ programme

(travelling without a printed ticket) for Navigo subscribers. Step by step we plan to

put the ‘New Thalys’ into action- with a new range of uniforms, a complete

overhaul of the interior design of our trains and high speed travel times, clocking

Paris to Amsterdam and Cologne in under 3 hours and 15 minutes, and 1 hour and

45 minutes from Brussels by 2009.

Our aim is to continually expand our range of services in line with the evolving

needs and expectations of our customers: with Thalys, there is never a dull

moment!

Jean-Michel Dancoisne

CEO, Thalys International


I. True broadband connectivity on board Thalys trains: passenger orientated innovation p. 4

II. A technological challenge: three years of research, developments and tests p. 5

III. The Consortium’s solution: high speed connectivity, reliability & continuous service in the four countries served by Thalys p. 6

IV. Consortium members p. 8

V. WiFi service on board and its uses p. 9

VI. Regarding… p. 11

� Thalys,

� Nokia Siemens Networks

� 21Net

� Telenet

APPENDIX 1 – Did you know? p. 13

APPENDIX 2 – Visual from the WiFi business campaign p. 14

APPENDIX 3 – Thalys: Facts and Figures p. 15

CONTENTS


Thalys, an innovation incubator

A technical pioneer focused on testing boundaries since its foundation in 1995, Thalys has continued its strategy of innovation and implementation of advanced technologies such as monitoring and

communication of delays in real time by satellite, Ticketless travel for all and interoperability courtesy of the Navigo pass, and the Thalyseo networking platform. In a short span of time Thalys trains have

established themselves in a separate league altogether, efficiently run by a company of customer

orientated, leading edge innovators. Availability of broadband Internet access on high speed rail networks is a prime example of this aforementioned strategy and is completely in sync with Thalys’

mission to facilitate exchange and discovery.

« Thalys is dedicated to pursuing ongoing improvements in its range of services, so that the

time spent on a Thalys train is an altogether different experience - a special moment that is

optimal for all, whether in terms of work or pleasure. » Jean-Michel Dancoisne, CEO of Thalys International

Thalys customers at the heart of the project Today’s rail users travel with a wide gamut of computer devices that connect to wireless internet and as

a consequence passengers now expect efficient and reliable on board connectivity. Thalys customers

were involved in each development stage of the service, responding positively to tests carried out in 2005 as well as to trials conducted since September 2007. Both business and leisure customers reacted

well to the service and defined it as ‘a major technological innovation and the latest example of the quality of the service offered by Thalys.’

Tests also confirmed the growing interest of business travellers in this type of service not just from a

time saving point of view but also because it facilitates the pursuit of work-based endeavours on board.

Nowadays, access to the internet while travelling is crucial for business customers who can make constructive use of this time by emailing, surfing the web for research purposes, accessing their

company’s Intranet network via VPN access (Virtual Private Network) or sending meeting updates etc. Leisure customers are certainly not left out, as the Internet provides access to a wide range of

entertainment, information about their trip as well as functioning as a conduit for information from

Thalys, etc.

The perfect technology for high speed rail travel… If customers are won over by this innovation it’s also because travelling in Thalys trains is a perfect

match for high speed internet use. Unlike travellers in planes, the personal space provided for passengers travelling in Comfort 1 and Comfort 2 has been modified for laptop use. Furthermore, time

spent on board Thalys trains corresponds to average Internet usage periods. In fact, medium haul

journeys lasting approximately two to three hours are now at the heart of Thalys development

initiatives.

… for optimising customer service

This new service will also involve key technological advances for on board staff. Staff will benefit from this high-performance technology while transmitting crucial data regarding train availability in real time

instead of the current dependence on SMS connectivity, thus optimising the service provided to travellers.

As a result of the above Thalys has once more elected to stand apart from its peers and be a pioneer by

providing all customers with commercially run WiFi access on board its trains. This service will rapidly

become a standard component in the high-speed rail network offer.

I. True broadband connectivity on board Thalys trains: passenger orientated innovation


A key factor in choosing to travel with Thalys

The first Internet connectivity tests on board a Thalys train took place between April and November

2005. They took the form of a business trial performed in partnership with the European Space Agency.

Thanks to bi-directional satellite connectivity and to a prototype developed by the Belgian company 21Net, Thalys was able to provide broadband internet access to its customers on board one of its trains.

This first test of its kind in the history of high speed rail travel was a resounding success. For a period of

eight months, over a thousand rail users travelling in Comfort 1 and in Comfort 2 tested connectivity and responded favourably to this innovative service. According to a survey organised by Thalys, 87% of

service users would recommend it of which 74% acknowledged that it was a key incentive for choosing to travel on Thalys trains. Thalys’ business passengers find the time saving element particularly

attractive as this can be put to good use work-wise. Leisure travellers benefit by having access to entertainment facilities and travel information as well as a more fluid communication channel between

Thalys and themselves.

September 2007: Thalys and the Nokia Siemens Networks/21Net/Telenet Consortium sign a contract and commit to a unique partnership

In September 2007, Thalys pursued a proposal recommended by the Nokia Siemens Networks / 21Net /

Telenet Consortium regarding an invitation to tender and a thorough technical and business appraisal by

specialised companies.

During the consultation, the Consortium proposed a complete solution that took into account both the

technical and commercial aspects of the service, (for example the direct use of WiFi hotspots and an overview of roaming agreements with mobile operators) as well as the specific constraints of high speed

rail travel.

The Consortium also benefited from solid technological input: high levels of expertise in terms of telecommunications networks and satellite connectivity and a structured team experienced in all the key

fields implicated in the project. The technical solution recommended had already been tried out as 21 Net had been undergoing tests with the European Space Agency since 2005.

Immediately after signing the contract outlining the commitment of Thalys and the Consortium to the

WiFi project, the prototype train was modified and adapted to accommodate the WiFi equipment. Tests were re-initiated on a grand scale.

On 20 November 2007, a train in commercial service took its first test run.

In January 2008, three trains were equipped and put to service for control phase purposes.

On 14 May 2008, WiFi was launched to run commercially on board Thalys trains. 25% of the

operational fleet has already been suitably equipped.

II. A technological challenge: three years of research, developments and tests


The Consortium provided a complete end to end hosting solution permitting broadband internet services

on international, high speed trains. Under the terms of the Managed Services contract, the Consortium not

only designed an innovative cross-border wireless network that included WiFi hotspots already established

on board but supplied and installed the necessary technology and took over the management and

maintenance of this service throughout the network on behalf of Thalys. Thalys can therefore offer an attractive new service to its passengers without getting into the details of implementing a complex

communication solution and devote itself fully to the core of its business: reliable and punctual passenger transportation.

The provision of a continuous wireless Internet connection relies on daily endeavours including commercial

management (management of services provided to the end user including the portal and sales channels)

as well as infrastructure maintenance (configuration, performance and activities in response to anomalies).

This global solution brings significant benefits to Thalys, in conformance with quality and safety standards, while reducing risks and investment costs. Thalys is not only boosting the efficacy of the implementation

process but it can also dedicate its energies to bringing on board innovative services for its customers and

subsequently enhancing their travel experience.

The combination of satellite, UMTS and WiFi technologies ensures service reliability

Thalys and the Consortium chose to link satellite, UMTS and WiFi technologies to guarantee continuous

internet connectivity on board trains travelling across borders at 300 kms/hour. The combination of these three Internet access technologies ensures an optimal cover in all the countries served by Thalys,

depending on wireless technologies available during the journey.

III. The Consortium’s solution: high speed connectivity, reliability & continuous service in the four countries served by Thalys


Priority use of the satellite connection

After logging onto the ThalysNet portal, users of the wireless Internet service are connected to a central

server located in a dedicated area on board the train via a network of WiFi hotspots (access points)

available in the carriages. This central server is equipped with three distinct Internet connections – satellite, UMTS and WiFi, managed by a mobile router. Each component of the central server has been certified as conforming to railway standards.

The satellite connection is utilised most of the time and as a priority to provide Internet connectivity on

the train. The high speed bi-directional satellite connectivity operates via a small earth station (parabolic antenna) installed on the roofs of Thalys trains. This provides the link to the Hispasat satellite located

36,000 kms above the Atlantic Ocean as Thalys trains cover the four European countries that they serve.

The other end of the satellite communications link is at Hispasat’s Satellite Base Station located at Arganda near Madrid. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) tunnel interface connects the satellite link to the

public Internet network at ThalysNet’s NOC (Network Operations Centre) established in Belgium in Nokia Siemens Networks premises at Herentals.

During periods when the satellite link is unavailable (for example when the train is in covered areas such

as in a station or in long tunnels), the system automatically switches over to WiFi internet connectivity or

on to existing UMTS systems.

Seamless, continuous switchover between technologies permits the provision of the very best Internet connectivity possible throughout the duration of the voyage. The switchover process from

satellite to UMTS and WiFi is a process that undergoes continuous examination by the central server, the

latter determining access availability and opting for the best link. As the central server switches from one technology to another, it is possible that a very short interruption of services may occur. This barely

impacts on the passenger’s connectivity experience as only a delay of a few extra seconds during a download may be noticeable.

The Network Operations Centre’s mission is the real time monitoring of services and equipment on board Thalys trains. In order to minimise intervention on board trains in cases of major equipment

failure most of the software interventions can be undertaken at a distance from the Network Operation

Centre. This facility also allows customers to be authenticated when they log on to the portal when on

board the train as well as manages the external public access Internet connection; passengers can

therefore access the Internet just as they would if they were in their office or at home.

Connectivity quality is guaranteed by bandwidth adjustment on uplink/downlink

Tests carried out by the Consortium during the pilot phase with fifty simultaneous users determined that even if there are more than 50 users, all the available bandwidth will not be utilised.

During incidents of peak usage of the service on a daily basis the Consortium envisages sharing the

uplink bandwidth going from the train to the Internet, and the downlink going from the Internet to the train between trains. Bandwidths can be adjusted at any time by the Consortium in order to ensure

continuous availability of the WiFi service to passengers. This uplink and downlink adjustment is similar to a fixed WiFi terminal with one major difference: the mobile WiFi terminal is moving at 300 kilometres

per hour!


The Consortium capitalizes on the complementary skills base of the three companies in the

group By choosing the Nokia Siemens Networks/ 21Net/ Telenet Consortium, Thalys opted for an independent

partner fully capable of guaranteeing the supply, implementation and ongoing network operation of the broadband Internet service. The solution offered by the Consortium is a hosting service. Thalys

therefore has a complete ‘keys in hand’ solution, integrating technical and commercial solutions and equipment maintenance on board its trains.

Moreover, the Consortium’s solution permits Thalys to carry out an ambitious technological project with

limited risks within a controlled budgetary framework.

‘To meet such a challenge head on, we had to unite very specific industrial skills. Nokia

Siemens Networks brings its technology and its integration expertise to the table; 21Net its know-how in the field of Internet satellite connectivity; and cable operator Telenet

guarantees WiFi access in train stations and customer support via the Helpdesk as well as

operating commercial Internet services. All Consortium members were moving forward in the

same direction, fuelled by the same spirit: customer satisfaction.’

Paul Broekhuizen, Account Director at Nokia Siemens Networks for West European rail companies

and Consortium executive for the Thalys project

The Consortium comprises global communications solutions provider Nokia Siemens Networks,

21Net, the European supplier of broadband Internet based on satellite connectivity and Belgian

broadband cable operator Telenet.

Consortium leader Nokia Siemens Networks is responsible for the entire project management. Its task includes the supply of necessary resources, tools and processes for the conception, offer and

installation of the wireless network solution, the management of special leased bandwidth for mobile operators along the train routes, the management of antennae in Thalys trains for radio contact in order

to ensure continuous internet connectivity, as well as maintenance and hosting services. This system of managed services provides significant benefits to Thalys: Nokia Siemens Network’s experience in project

management ensures the rapid introduction of a high quality WiFi service that conforms to quality and

safety standards. Project implementation as a hosted service minimises risks and investment costs whilst boosting operational efficiency.

21Net implements and manages bi-directional satellite connectivity established with the installation of antennae on the roofs of Thalys trains. Since 2004, 21Net has been working closely with

railway operators - Thalys, SNCF, Deutsche Bahn and Renfe to develop a robust and mature system for

wireless broadband access on trains. In 2005, during a commercial trial run by Thalys, 21Net implemented and managed a similar technology in partnership with the European Space Agency.

21Net has also obtained approval for all the equipment used in the global solution offered on board

Thalys trains.

Telenet is responsible for operating the commercial Internet services and offers rich multimedia

content through its portal. Telenet provides customer support and implements global roaming agreements.

IV. Consortium members


Look for the stickers to identify Thalys trains offering the Internet facility!

Trains equipped with WiFi access are easily identifiable by stickers positioned on windows and doors.

How to use mobile high speed Internet in just a few steps?

• The passenger must have a laptop equipped with WiFi (Wi-Fi 802.11b/g) or a PDA type device

that is WiFi compatible.

• Once settled in his/her seat, the passenger switches on their laptop or WiFi compatible PDA

device, scans the list of available networks and selects the wireless network ThalysNet.

• Once connected, all the passenger needs to do is open an Internet browser (Internet Explorer or

Firefox in most cases) to be automatically directed to the portal for access to ThalysNet. The first

time this happens, the internet user is invited to log on the portal’s home page to access the WiFi internet service. Besides Internet access, the portal offers free access to information

sections regarding the service, Thalys.com and Cybelys.com websites, as well as real time news updates. An interactive card allows users to check out real time train itineraries on the Thalys

network.

• Access to the portal is free to all passengers. Access to the Internet via the portal is free for

customers travelling in Comfort 1. For those travelling in Comfort 2, there is free access to the ThalysNet portal but there is a charge for Internet access. There are two options: either 60

minutes connectivity or unlimited access for the duration of one trip.

Details are provided in leaflets available on board Thalys trains and a ThalysNet customer support

service is available as backup for sorting out any queries. To access customer support, send an email to

the Helpdesk via the ThalysNet portail or call +32 (0) 2 300 41 41, anytime from 06.00 a.m. to midnight, 7d/7. These services are available in four languages in line with the countries covered by

Thalys (French, Dutch, German and English).

‘The Internet is one of the focal points of our innovation strategy to benefit customers.

Bookings via www.thalys.com are booming. The thalys.mobi

website offers extended mobile access to information available on www.thalys.com.

We have also extended our Ticketless service by offering our customers the option of booking

their seat in just a few clicks and travelling without a paper ticket. In a few months from now

we shall also be providing exchange facilities.’ Jean-Michel Dancoisne, CEO of Thalys International

V. WiFi service on board and its uses


ThalysNet: the Internet gateway portal

ThalysNet relies on local wireless technologies (802.11b/g). This is a high speed gateway portal allowing internet users access to the same functions offered by traditional internet connectivity:

� surfing the Internet

� instantaneous online messaging � downloading files

� sending and receiving of emails � transmission and reception of attachments

� use of IP-based voice services (Skype, Wengo, etc) � access to a safe company network � etc.

ThalysNet also allows passengers to look up information regarding the WiFi service, get the dedicated

telephone help line number for service users, and to explore websites such as www.thalys.com and

www.cybelys.com* free of charge for news updates.

ThalysNet is committed to continous improvements both in terms of content and function. In the pipeline

are new multimedia and entertainment services such as games etc.

ThalysNet protects network users from potential internet intruders by means of a built-in firewall.

The Consortium has also installed an ‘inter-client blocking’ protocol to prevent users connected to

ThalysNet from accessing other computers connected to the same network. These two security measures make using the ThalysNet network safer than navigating from a standard Internet connection.

Thalys and the Consortium have also blocked access to a list of Internet sites. This list is, of course,

constantly updated.

Tariffs

For passengers travelling in Comfort 1, access to the ThalysNet portal and to the Internet is included in the ticket price, along with other services offered in CF1: meals served at your seat, newspapers etc.

For passengers travelling in Comfort 2, access to the ThalysNet portal is free but Internet access is

chargeable:

- 6.50 euros for 60 minutes of connection time. Connection time is calculated from the first connection made and minutes can only be used during the course of one trip;

- 13 euros for unlimited access during the trip however long it may be.

Two payment methods are possible: either on line with a bank card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express) or by buying a scratch card at ThalysBar, available on trains with this facility.

• Website for passengers who are members of Thalys’s loyalty programme.


To date, over 64 million passengers have already been carried between Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne. Thanks to Thalys, it is even possible to travel without a paper ticket, using the Ticketless service. Mid 2009 Thalys will take you in 3:15 hours from Paris to Cologne and Amsterdam and in 1:47 hours from Brussels to Cologne and in 1:46 hours from Brussels to Amsterdam. Visit www.thalys.com for details of our offers and those of our partners and to find out about current affairs at Thalys or http://thalys.mobi, the site dedicated to mobile Internet users. Thalys is a product of the SNCB, SNCF, DB AG and NS. Thalys is a member: - of Railteam, cooperation between Europe's leading high-speed rail operators - of the CER (Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies) and of the UIC (International Union of Railways)

Nokia Siemens Networks is a leading global enabler of communications

services. The company provides a complete, well-balanced product portfolio of mobile and fixed network infrastructure solutions and addresses the growing demand for services with 20,000 service professionals worldwide. Nokia Siemens Networks is one of the largest telecommunications infrastructure companies with operations in 150 countries. The company is headquartered in Espoo, Finland.

www.nokiasiemensnetworks.com

21Net is a European operator who established the world’s first bi-directional satellite communications system capable of delivering high speed Internet to high speed trains. Initially sponsored by the European Space Agency 21Net was the first provider to technically demonstrate the provisioning of broadband Internet on a high speed train, in 2004. Since 2004, 21Net has been working closely with leading railway operators RENFE, THALYS and SNCF to develop a robust & technically mature system. 21Net is committed to providing a great user experience with high data rates and seamless connectivity based on bi-directional satellite communications integrated with terrestrial wireless solutions for stations and tunnels. Its “Broadband To Trains” system is the only productized system capable of providing true broadband connectivity to high speed trains. www.21net.com

VI. About…


Telenet is a leading provider of media and telecommunication services. Its business comprises the provision of cable television, high speed internet and fixed and mobile telephony services, primarily to residential customers in Flanders and Brussels. In addition, Telenet offers services to business customers across Belgium under the brand Telenet Solutions. Telenet is listed on the Euronext Brussels Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TNET.


� The first trials on board a Thalys train took place between April and November 2005.

Thanks to bi-directional satellite connectivity and systems provided by Belgian company 21Net,

Thalys has been able to offer wireless broadband Internet access to passengers on board its

trains.

� During trials in 2005, over a thousand passengers tested connectivity and responded very favourably to this innovative service.

� The central server weighs 80 kilos.

� Coverage on the Paris-Brussels route is between 97 and 98%.

� A total of 20 kms of cables was required to install the system throughout the Thalys fleet.

� Satellite connectivity works because of a parabolic antenna (small earth station) installed on the roof of equipped Thalys trains which links up with the Hispasat 1D satellite located

36,000 kms above the Atlantic Ocean as Thalys trains cover four European countries.

� The highest numbers of users logged on at the same time during trials on one voyage on one

train was on 7 March between Paris and Cologne: 74 users utilising the service at the same time.

� Since the beginning of the project in September 2007, almost 12,000 users have logged on

to the ThalysNet portal.

� Trains equipped with WiFi access are easily identifiable due to the stickers positioned on

windows and doors of the train. 75 metres of stickers are used for each Thalys train offering the service. That amounts to a total of 2 kms of stickers for the whole Thalys fleet.

APPENDIX 1 – Did you know?


The WiFi sales campaign is to be launched in 4 x 3 with the introduction of advertising from 26

May 2008.

APPENDIX 2 – Visual from the WiFi sales campaign


Thalys International, a co-operative society under Belgian law with a capital of EUR 315,000, defines and

implements the offer of services available to customers on high-speed trains in the Thalys network.

31st May 1995, the French (SNCF) and Belgian (SNCB) railways joined forces to create a company under Belgian law that became Thalys International, based in Brussels in the heart of Europe, with the Dutch (NS) and German (DB) railways as partners.

2nd June 1996, Thalys became a reality for customers and linked Paris to Brussels and Amsterdam for the first time. Aix-la-Chapelle and Cologne joined the Thalys network in 1997.

15th June 2007: Deutsche Bahn participates in the capital of Thalys International.

2nd July 2007: Thalys participates in the creation of Railteam.

The capital of Thalys International is now distributed between SNCF (62%), SNCB (28%) and DB (10%). Organisational Chart

Executive Committee Chairman: M. Jadot Directors: F. Bernard, Ch. Dejean, R. Gayetot, J. Röder Associates: D. Desnyder, A. Hamprecht Board of Directors CEO: Jean-Michel Dancoisne Deputy CEO and CFO: Ingrid Nuelant Commercial Communication and Brand Director: Nelly Baron Human Resources/ Quality & Sustainable Development Director: Fabien Donnay Corporate Development and Customer Relations Director: Wolfgang Merz Chief Commercial Officer: Béatrice Pâques Chief Operating Officer: Olivier Poitrenaud The men and women who contribute to Thalys’ offer (December 2007):

Number of Thalys International employees: 115 Average age: 37 Women: 53% / Men: 47% 7 Nationalities

Train drivers / engineers (SNCB-SNCF-DB-NS): 250 Train managers and related staff (SNCB-SNCF-DB-NS): 270 On-board catering staff (Railrest): 310 Supplies staff (Chef-Express Services Rail Gourmet DB Reise & Touristik and Prorest): 270

In addition there are:

• Staff related to Thalys ticket sales: travel agencies, call centres and stations; • Maintenance staff, operational staff in stations and for infrastructure.

APPENDIX 3 – Thalys, facts and figures


Key figures

Since its creation, Thalys has transported more than 64 million passengers

More than 6.2 million passengers transported in 2007

Turnover (excl. tax) 2007: EUR 364 million Infrastructure tolls: 22.2% of the global turnover Punctuality of trains: 92% (within 15 minutes – international standard) Punctuality of trains on the Paris-Brussels line: 95% (2007) Distribution of the turnover per route

Paris - Brussels: 55.6% Paris - Belgium: 8.9% Paris / Belgium - The Netherlands: 21.3% Paris / Belgium - Germany: 11.8% Others (charters, seasonal services, CDG/MLV*,etc.): 2.4%

* This line was transferred to TGV on 1st April 2007. Customer profile

52% “Leisure” customers, 48% “Business” customers

44% women, 56% men

39% under 35 years

79% of customers are active

Passenger distribution

Comfort 1: 28% Comfort 2: 72% On-board services (figures 2007)

26,800 coffees served at the bar/month

119,000 newspapers provided/month

6,220 tray meals served/day

84,700 taxis booked/year (+10.7%)

77,500 public transport tickets sold at the Thalys bar/year (+7.6%) Quality certification

ISO 9001: 2000 relating to quality systems

- Thalys International customer service since 3rd May 2004

- Supply centres in Brussels and Paris-Nord since 2002

- Forest maintenance workshop since June 2004

ISO 14 001 relating to the environment: Railrest (2007) ISO 22000 relating to food safety: Railrest (2007) – first company to receive this certification in Belgium. Other

Paris-Nord railway station: since December 2004, certified by AFNOR for service activities associated with passenger transport.


Thalys equipment

9 “PBA”* tri-current Thalys trains operating between Paris and Amsterdam.

17 “PBKA”** quadri-current trains suitable for travelling on the entire Thalys network.

The PBKA Thalys trains travel according to seven signal systems and four types of electrification: � 1,500 continuous volts,

� 3,000 continuous volts,

� 15,000 alternative volts,

� 25,000 alternative volts.

Each train:

� is equipped with eight synchronous engines,

� of a total power of 8,800 kW,

� weighing 385 tons,

� measuring 200 metres long,

� has 377 seats.

All Thalys trains can travel in multiple units. 9.5 million kms covered in 2007. 470 Thalys trains are in operation every week. 300 kms per hour is the maximum speed.

* “Paris-Brussels-Amsterdam”

** “Paris-Brussels-Cologne-Amsterdam”

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