Latest news with #LordBerkeley
Barnama
21-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Uber Announces Marketing Deal For English Channel Tunnel Trains
LONDON, May 21 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- Transport app company Uber said it has signed an agreement to co-brand trains running through the English Channel tunnel, PA Media/dpa reported. Uber has formed a partnership with Gemini Trains, which is developing plans to launch international rail services from London St Pancras. "Under the marketing agreement, Uber will co-brand the service, as well as offer passengers the opportunity to book tickets through the Uber app," a statement from Uber read. bootstrap slideshow The deal echoes Uber's collaboration with London's Thames Clipper boats, which involves Uber branding the service but operations being the responsibility of Thames Clipper. Gemini Trains, chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley, is planning to purchase 10 new trains for its services. Its initial routes would be from London St Pancras to Paris and Brussels - calling at Ebbsfleet, Kent - with plans to expand services to other European destinations. Eurostar stopped calling at Ebbsfleet and Ashford, also in Kent, in March 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. Despite local pressure for services to resume, the company has said it is focusing on its core routes. Gemini Trains announced in March that it had been developing its plans for two years and had submitted an application to regulator the Office of Rail and Road for access to Eurostar's Temple Mills maintenance depot in northeast London.
Metro
20-05-2025
- Business
- Metro
Uber to rival Eurostar with cross-channel trains from London to European cities
For three decades, Eurostar has been the only company operating passenger trains in the Channel Tunnel. But in recent months, competition has emerged for the cross-continent route, with six companies now scrambling to offer their own rail services to Paris and beyond. Players include Italian state-owned FS Italiane Group, Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and London St Pancras High Speed (which recently rebranded from HS1). And now, another name has entered the ring, and it's one you might be familiar with: Uber. The ride-sharing company has signed a partnership with Gemini Trains to co-brand cross-channel rail services. Back in March, Gemini Trains, a new train operating company, unveiled their own plans to connect London St Pancras with Paris and Brussels. The firm, chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley, said it planned to offer seats at prices that would rival Eurostar. Gemini is proposing to purchase 10 newly designed trains, and under a new agreement, Uber will co-brand the service. The collaboration will be similar to that which Uber currently shares with Thames Clippers boats in London. In this instance, Uber brands the boats — with their logo emblazoned across the side — but it is operated by Thames Clipper. Passengers will also be able to book cross-channel tickets through the Uber app. While customers can already book tickets on the Uber app for Eurostar services, this would be the first time they could book and make the journey on an Uber-branded train. After launching as a ride-sharing app over 15 years ago in 2009, Uber began offering further travel options in the UK in 2023, with users able to book inter-city trains, coaches, Lime bikes, nationwide car rentals and even flights via the app. Andrew Brem, general manager at Uber UK said: 'We've seen amazing momentum since we began launching new modes of transport in the UK, and this collaboration with Gemini Trains is our latest step in how we're helping people get where they want to go. 'We're excited about the opportunity to bring our brand to the iconic Channel Tunnel journey.' And Adrian Quine, CEO of Gemini says: 'Innovation and value are at the very heart of what we do so it's really exciting to be teaming up with Uber, an instantly recognisable global brand which has revolutionised the travel industry. More Trending 'Now passengers will be able to enjoy the same value and comfort on brand new 'cutting edge' trains at the touch of a button.' Gemini Trains' say their initial cross-channel route will be from London Stratford International to Paris Gare du Nord and Brussels Midi, all calling at Ebbsfleet International. The aim is to then extend its services even further afield. In a statement, Gemini Trains added that 'further details regarding the service launch, routes, and final branding will be announced in due course.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Why one man has been banned from every Greggs in the country MORE: Vile internet search history on phone of teenager who killed two kittens MORE: 'Glorious' street food chain from Asia is opening first ever UK location
The Independent
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Uber deal with Channel Tunnel trains will allow users to book tickets to Europe on app
Uber has signed an agreement with a train company planning to launch international rail services from London. The deal will see the trains 'co-branded' by the transport company and allow customers to book services directly from their popular app. Gemini Trains, chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley, is developing plans to launch international rail services from London St Pancras and is in the process of purchasing 10 new trains for the venture. While Uber will co-brand the service, similar to its collaboration with Thames Clipper, Gemini Trains will retain operational responsibility. The move expands Uber's reach further into the rail travel market, offering users a more integrated travel experience. Uber said: 'Under the marketing agreement, Uber will co-brand the service, as well as offer passengers the opportunity to book tickets through the Uber app.' The deal echoes Uber's collaboration with London's Thames Clipper boats, which involves Uber branding the service but operations being the responsibility of Thames Clipper. Gemini Trains, chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley, is planning to purchase 10 new trains for its services. Its initial routes would be from London St Pancras to Paris and Brussels – calling at Ebbsfleet, Kent – with plans to expand services to other European destinations. Eurostar stopped calling at Ebbsfleet and Ashford, also in Kent, in March 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. Despite local pressure for services to resume, the company has said it is focusing on its core routes. Gemini Trains announced in March that it had been developing its plans for two years and had submitted an application to regulator the Office of Rail and Road for access to Eurostar's Temple Mills maintenance depot in north-east London. Eurostar holds a monopoly in running passenger services through the Channel Tunnel. Other organisations developing proposals to launch rival services include billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group and Italy's state-owned railway company FS Italiane Group. Andrew Brem, Uber's UK general manager, said: 'We've seen amazing momentum since we began launching new modes of transport in the UK, and this collaboration with Gemini Trains is our latest step in how we're helping people get where they want to go. 'We're excited about the opportunity to bring our brand to the iconic Channel Tunnel journey.' Gemini Trains chief executive Adrian Quine said: 'Innovation and value are at the very heart of what we do so it's really exciting to be teaming up with Uber, an instantly recognisable global brand which has revolutionised the travel industry. 'Now passengers will be able to enjoy the same value and comfort on brand new cutting-edge trains at the touch of a button.'
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Italy's state-run train operator reveals £780m bid to take on Eurostar
Italy has joined the race to challenge Eurostar after its state-owned rail operator pledged €1bn (£780m) to run trains through the Channel Tunnel. FS Italiane said it would join forces with transport group Evolyn to use Italian-made high speed trains on the London to Paris route. The bid comes after the Office for Rail and Road (ORR), the UK rail regulator, ruled there was room for another operator in addition to Eurostar, the French-controlled monopoly which has run services since 1994. The joint Evolyn and FS Italiane bid is one of three put forward by challengers hoping to topple Eurostar's longstanding hold on the Channel route. Gemini Trains, chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley, and Richard Branson's Virgin Trains are also in the running. The ORR is expected to decide which operator will be given the green light to access the line. The shake-up stems from a recent ruling by the watchdog that there was additional train storage capacity at the only UK depot to serve the route – opening the door for a rival service. Eurostar had argued that the depot was full with its own carriages and there would not be enough space. FS Italiane plans to use trains inspired by its high-speed 'Frecciarossa' service, calling them 'top-of-the-range class, in terms of energy efficiency, comfort and service quality'. The Italian operator, which which co-owns the UK's Avanti West Coast, also said it was also planning for additional capacity at St Pancras in London and exploring funding options to support the project. FS Italiane's operation of Avanti West Coast has been beset with problems after it was named the UK's worst train company for delays last year. ORR figures showed that just two in five (41pc) of its trains ran on time. Evolyn was founded by the wealthy Spanish Cosmen family, who are the largest shareholders in National Express's parent company Mobico. It has promised that its bid will lead to more competitive rates for travel than Eurostar. Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, the chief executive of FS Italiane, said: 'High-speed rail networks are the backbone of efficient and environmentally friendly mobility, and by expanding our presence on key corridors, we are not just investing in infrastructure and innovation, but also in the future of European transport. 'More competition will help to create a more efficient and customer-oriented industry, offering a real alternative to air travel.' It comes as Eurostar is facing pressure to return services to Kent after it cut services to Ashford during the pandemic. Local residents and business owners have argued that the absence of Eurostar has dented the town's economic prospects. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
08-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Italy's state-run train operator reveals £780m bid to take on Eurostar
Italy has joined the race to challenge Eurostar after its state-owned rail operator pledged €1bn (£780m) to run trains through the Channel Tunnel. FS Italiane said it would join forces with transport group Evolyn to use Italian-made high speed trains on the London to Paris route. The bid comes after the Office for Rail and Road (ORR), the UK rail regulator, ruled there was room for another operator in addition to Eurostar, the French-controlled monopoly which has run services since 1994. The joint Evolyn and FS Italiane bid is one of three put forward by challengers hoping to topple Eurostar's longstanding hold on the Channel route. Gemini Trains, chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley, and Richard Branson's Virgin Trains are also in the running. The ORR is expected to decide which operator will be given the green light to access the line. The shake-up stems from a recent ruling by the watchdog that there was additional train storage capacity at the only UK depot to serve the route – opening the door for a rival service. Eurostar had argued that the depot was full with its own carriages and there would not be enough space. FS Italiane plans to use trains inspired by its high-speed 'Frecciarossa' service, calling them 'top-of-the-range class, in terms of energy efficiency, comfort and service quality'. The Italian operator, which which co-owns the UK's Avanti West Coast, also said it was also planning for additional capacity at St Pancras in London and exploring funding options to support the project. FS Italiane's operation of Avanti West Coast has been beset with problems after it was named the UK's worst train company for delays last year. ORR figures showed that just two in five (41pc) of its trains ran on time. Evolyn was founded by the wealthy Spanish Cosmen family, who are the largest shareholders in National Express's parent company Mobico. It has promised that its bid will lead to more competitive rates for travel than Eurostar. Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, the chief executive of FS Italiane, said: 'High-speed rail networks are the backbone of efficient and environmentally friendly mobility, and by expanding our presence on key corridors, we are not just investing in infrastructure and innovation, but also in the future of European transport. 'More competition will help to create a more efficient and customer-oriented industry, offering a real alternative to air travel.' It comes as Eurostar is facing pressure to return services to Kent after it cut services to Ashford during the pandemic. Local residents and business owners have argued that the absence of Eurostar has dented the town's economic prospects.
