STRASBOURG

The TGV high-speed train began commercial service between Paris and Strasbourg yesterday, nearly halving travel time between the two cities to two hours 20 minutes and linking the TGV network with Germany.

The train made its maiden voyage with 360 passengers, arriving on time and continuing on to the German city of Stuttgart, said Anne Premel, spokeswoman for the Strasbourg municipality.

The line was inaugurated by Prime Minister Francois Fillon on Saturday.

"Strasbourg just over two hours from Paris, that was a dream. The dream is now fulfilled," he said. The previous fastest connection between the two cities took four hours.

Different branches of the line will also cut travel time from Paris to several other cities. The train to Frankfurt takes three hours 50 minutes and to Stuttgart three hours 40 minutes. A trip to the Swiss city of Zurich takes four hours 30 minutes.-AP