The commercial launch of the TGV M, France’s next-generation high-speed train, has been delayed once again. The French national railway company, SNCF, announced that the train will finally begin operating "during the autumn of 2026." This marks yet another setback for the long-awaited project, which was initially planned to launch in September 2023 on the Paris-Marseille route. While the SNCF has not given an exact date, it has specified that the autumn season runs from September 21 to December 21 next year. The delay is due to "several adjustments and additional improvements" being made to the train’s comfort and onboard services. These changes are being handled by Alstom, the train manufacturer, and are aimed at ensuring the TGV M meets its promises and provides passengers with a high-quality experience. The SNCF emphasized that these improvements do not require the trains to be sent back to the factory. Trial runs have already confirmed the train’s overall functionality, including its safety, compliance with regulations, and performance. This is not the first time the TGV M has faced delays. The original launch date has been pushed back multiple times, from the end of 2023 or early 2024 to the second half of 2025, then to the winter, followed by "early 2026," "early July," and finally "September." These delays have also impacted the SNCF’s plans for deploying similar trains in Italy, which were scheduled for 2028. The SNCF ordered 130 TGV M units from Alstom in 2018 for 4.1 billion euros, fully funded by the company. It later added an additional 20 units. Thirteen of these trains are expected to be in service by the end of 2024. The TGV M is designed to address the current shortage of high-speed trains during peak times, such as summer, which has led to revenue losses for the SNCF. The train can carry 740 passengers—100 more than previous models—and offers a 30% reduction in maintenance costs. It also provides 20% more seating with the same length and is modular, allowing for flexible configurations of cars and interior spaces. A panel of several thousand passengers tested the train, with over 90% reporting a positive or very positive experience.