Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Transport correspondent, Katy Austin, reports that Eurostar has announced plans to introduce double-decker trains through the Channel Tunnel for the first time. The rail operator has disclosed that it will be purchasing up to 50 trains from Alstom, which will expand its fleet by almost a third. The investment will also involve a significant upgrade to a crucial London depot, although concerns have been raised about the capacity of the facility to accommodate both Eurostar and potential competitors.
In a €2 billion deal, Eurostar has placed an order for 30 “Celestia” trains, with the option to acquire an additional 20 in the future. The first six trains are expected to be operational by 2031, with each train measuring 200m in length. When operated in pairs, these double-decker trains will provide approximately 1,080 seats, marking a first for high-speed trains running through the Channel Tunnel. Eurostar’s CEO, Gwendoline Cazenave, expressed pride in introducing double-decker trains to the UK, emphasizing the superior comfort they will offer passengers.
Eurostar, which carried 19.5 million passengers last year, aims to increase its ridership to 30 million. The addition of new trains, some of which will replace older models, is projected to boost train services in London by 30%. This initiative follows Eurostar’s announcement in June of an expansion plan that includes new routes to Geneva and Frankfurt from the capital. Additionally, Eurostar will be investing €80 million in upgrading the Temple Mills depot in London, which is currently the sole facility in the UK capable of accommodating the larger trains used in continental Europe.
As Eurostar monopolizes operations utilizing the Temple Mills depot, other companies such as Spanish start-up Evolyn, Virgin Group led by Sir Richard Branson, and a partnership between Gemini Trains and Uber seek to establish rival services. The Office of Rail and Road is evaluating proposals from these companies, along with Eurostar’s plans for expanded services, regarding access to the depot. A decision on depot access is anticipated in the coming weeks as the rail industry braces for potential shifts in competition and service offerings
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.