World champion parades along the Seine

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Alstom Transport employees who had travelled specially from
the plants at Le Creusot and Reichshoffen were able to follow
the event live, both on the boat that accompanied the floating
pontoon and from the VIP area on the quay of the Port de
Suffren.



During the inauguration of the exhibition devoted to very high
speed travel, Anne Hidalgo, chief assistant to the Mayor of
Paris, Anne-Marie Idrac, President of SNCF, and Philippe
Mellier reminded those present of the significance and global
repercussions of the speed record. Having warmly praised the
commitment and expertise of the teams involved in the success
of the project, Philippe Mellier emphasised the impact that the
record has had on the image of Alstom and SNCF, referring once
more to the strength of the partnership between the three
companies linked by the achievement. He pointed out in
particular the potential commercial opportunities brought about
by the record, particularly in Latin America.



For Anne Hidalgo, the arrival of high speed lines has had a
positive influence on the development of the capital’s
visitor infrastructures and favours the sustainable development
policies of those cities or countries that opt for high-speed
train systems. Elsewhere, by improving mobility between
Europe’s major capital cities, high speed lines
contribute to economic development and improved relations
between the citizens of the European Union.



The sight of a train on water might seem incongruous, but the
tribute paid by Paris to the holder of the world rail speed
record fully reflect the industrial and business challenges
that it represents.



As the barge commenced its approach manoeuvre towards its
temporary port of call, a metro train pulled to a halt for a
few moments on the bridge between Bir-Hakeim and Passy
stations, no doubt to enable the passengers to admire the V150.



Between now and 20 May, the public will have the opportunity
daily, between 9am and 8pm, to visit the laboratory car and the
driving cab of the V150. The “behind the scenes”
exhibition devoted to the rail speed record will be open to the
public from 9am to 11pm.