Thalys updates its 17 PBKA oars

Thalys is updating its PBKA trains in order to operate them longer

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Background & Challenges:

Company: Eurostar via Thalys.

Fleet Concerned: 17 PBKA trains that have been in service for several decades.

Period: launch of the program in 2019, gradual deployment until 2026.

Objectives:

Increased capacity: more seats available per train

Modernizing the passenger experience: redesigned seats, USB sockets, new lighting, new service areas.

Sustainability: more responsible materials, elimination of disposable plastics, energy optimization.

Brand image: offer a more premium and competitive offer compared to other modes of transport.

Economic optimization: extending the life of existing trains instead of buying new equipment.

The challenges:

• Modernizing without replacing: Integrating modern equipment (connectivity, design, design, LED lighting, ergonomic seats) into existing trains, designed several decades ago, while respecting current standards.

• Increase capacity without degrading comfort

• Limiting the operational impact: each train immobilized for renovation reduces the available supply. Thalys must therefore organize the renovation in stages and adapt its planning to maintain continuity of service.

• Meeting the growing expectations of customers: travelers expect more comfort, connectivity and services. It is therefore necessary to meet these requirements while managing technical and economic constraints.

Technical and regulatory challenges: integrating ETCS into existing trains, carrying out tests and obtaining marketing authorization before the December 2027 deadline.

Organizational challenges: coordinate the collaboration between Eurostar, MASTERIS, MASTERIS, SNCF and SNCB, while maintaining the availability of trains for commercial service.

The MASTERIS solution - Services provided:

MASTERIS played a key role in the operational implementation of the Ruby program, bringing its technical expertise and its ability to manage complex projects.

• Engineering and technical expertise: MASTERIS has designed solutions for integrating new equipment (LED lighting, USB sockets, passenger information systems, ergonomic seats) into existing trains.

• Industrial management: MASTERIS coordinated all the actors involved (manufacturers, subcontractors, technical center) in order to guarantee the consistency of the work and the maintenance of the schedule.

• Organization of the renovation: MASTERIS has implemented a phased renovation process, making it possible to continuously remove the trains from service while minimizing the impact on the transport offer.

• Customer support and support: MASTERIS worked hand in hand with Thalys to align technical objectives and customer expectations.

Result:

The current results of the project are:

• Increased capacity: each renovated train offers +28 seats

• Optimized Spaces: The Internal Reorganization has made it possible to gain +15% more luggage storage space.

• Improved customer experience: travelers now benefit from more ergonomic seats, electrical and USB sockets in each seat, adjustable LED lighting, and better onboard connectivity.

• Modernization of services: the bar and the kiosk have been redesigned to offer an experience more adapted to the needs of all.

• Increased sustainability: thanks to the use of responsible materials, the elimination of disposable plastics and the installation of ecological toilets, the environmental footprint of oars has been reduced.

• Extending the life of the equipment: the renovation ensures several additional years of operation of the PBKA trains.

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