Why use "c'était" when referring to the TGV?

Question

It seems it should be "il était" because you are referring specifically to the TGV, and not trains generally.

Cécile Janty-Davies · Accepted Answer

Hi Ken,
In, ‘ C’était très rapide’ what is meant is the whole journey rather than the train itself which of course is very fast....
Hope this helps!

Lixin Du · Answer

pourquoi on utilise « rapide » au lieu de
« rapid » ? je pense Le TGV est masculine.

Cécile Janty-Davies · Answer

Hi Lixin,
Le TGV is masculine but the adjective 'rapide' always has an -e whether the noun it refers to is masculine or feminine.
Une réponse rapide = a rapid answer
Un message rapide = a rapid message
C'était rapide = It was rapid
Hope this helps!