Latest news with #ThamesClipper
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.
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.'
The Sun
24-04-2025
- The Sun
Major tunnel used by thousands every day closes ‘until further notice' over ‘public safety issue'
A MAJOR tunnel used by thousands every day has closed "until further notice" over a "public safety issue". Commuters and pedestrians have been advised to seek alternative routes. 3 3 The Woolwich foot tunnel is used by around 1.5 million people a year to cross the river Thames. It stretches from Old Woolwich in the Royal Borough of Greenwich to North Woolwich in the London Borough of Newham. The tunnel is usually open 24 hours a day to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross the river when the Woolwich Free Ferry service is not operating. It takes about 15 minutes to walk it and there are stairs and lifts at each entrance. But this isn't the first time the foot tunnel has closed. In September 2010 it closed to all users due to structural weakness and didn't reopen until December 2011, four months later than expected. Now, the tunnel is "closed until further notice because of a public safety issue." A spokesperson for the Royal Borough of Greenwich Council said: 'We are working to rectify this as soon as we can. 'Please use an alternative route. 'The Uber Boat by Thames Clipper can be boarded at Woolwich Pier and the ferry runs until 10pm.' Dads of Southport victims run London Marathon The Woolwich foot tunnel opened in 1912 and was designed by Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice and built by Walter Scott & Middleton. Usually when the foot tunnel is closed, users are advised to use the DLR between King George V and Woolwich Arsenal or the Woolwich Ferry. But be warned, you'll have to pay the fare. It comes after plans to demolish a vital bridge used by 100s in a beauty-spot town was announced. The narrow footbridge in Brockenhurst, Hampshire has existed for over 100 years. Around 3,500 people live in Brockenhurst, and the New Forest village is popular with tourists. Despite plans to demolish the bridge being abandoned four years ago following a public outcry, it has once again been put on the chopping block. Locals say the alternative route, which is a four-minute walk away, is 'extremely hazardous,' yet no one listens. 3
