The manufacturer was also carefully selected and the rental of the first 2 trains found … except that this new fundraising will not be.
The project, although it is in accordance with the times of an industry and mobility that must imperatively decarbonize, faced two serious problems.
First of all, the “rail is not a mega trend“, at least the public authorities are committed to the energy transition, not to the uses and to improve the existing conditions.
“The texts are open but in reality, the railway market has mainly opened itself. This market was organized by the public authority for its own historical operators, not to really create new players.
We thought that it was possible to change the rules or that they would evolve by themselves. Bad reading on our part: we listen too much to the statements, but we do not look enough at the actions of the French and European public authorities”, comments Adrien Aumont.
To read: Montagne: A deputy calls for the implementation of night trains!
Moreover, European finances could not take risks to finance such a project.
During the first round of financing, the start-up failed to raise the necessary amount, about 5 million euros. She raised only 1.3 million euros.
It was an early sign of market reluctance.
“We thought at that time that with the financial efforts and energy of the founders, we could move mountains.
Unfortunately, we were not strong enough to face this extraordinary, unprecedented second round of funding,” said the co-founder of the young company.
For the leaders of Midnight Trains, the European Commission and governments must take up the subject, so as not to miss history.
