Latest news with #TonyBerkeley
Time Out
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Uber has revealed plans to run trains to Europe from Stratford in east London
For a long time, the Eurostar has been the only passenger train ferrying Brits from London, under the Channel and onto the Continent. But not for long. In recent years cross-Channel ambitions have been revealed by the likes of Deutsche Bahn and Evolyn, while Virgin has announced a new service that will be a direct competitor with the OG London-Paris line, due to launch in 2029. Now there's been an update for yet another Eurostar competitor. It involves Gemini Trains, which is led by Labour peer Tony Berkeley and was launched back in March. Gemini will be teaming up with Uber to launch a new international train line, that could take Londoners en train to Paris and Brussels from Stratford in the heart of east London. 'Stratford is a bit of a blank canvas,' said Adrian Quine, chief executive of Gemini Trains. 'It's a bit like London City airport as opposed to Heathrow or Gatwick: it's very quick and easy to get through. It's going to be far less crowded, so we think it's a bit of a jewel in the crown.' When the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (AKA High Speed 1, HS1) was built back in 2007 Stratford International station was fitted out to handle passengers heading across the Channel from London, but it was never used for this purpose. The HS1 Stratford station has only been used by domestic Southeastern trains using the high-speed track to stations in Kent. Quine said a Stratty to Paris train could be 'as quick, if not quicker' than the service from St Pancras. He said that Londoners could be hopping on in east London and hopping off at Paris Nord or Brussels Midi by 2030.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Eurostar rivals given ‘green signal' for cross-Channel trains: What could it mean for passengers?
For nearly three decades, Eurostar has been the only rail operator running through the Channel Tunnel, connecting the UK with mainland Europe. But recent shifts in regulation and burgeoning demand for lower-carbon travel options have boosted interest from competitors. Companies from the UK and Europe are eagerly eyeing a share of the market, but starting services hasn't been easy. Expensive trains, limited space for them to be serviced, maintained, and stored, and Eurostar's dominance have conspired to maintain the monopoly. But things are starting to change. A new report commissioned by the Office of Road and Rail has ruled that Eurostar must provide access to new operators at Temple Mills depot. It also demanded that HS1, the high-speed rail link between London and the Tunnel, reduce its fees from almost €30 per mile. Currently these are the highest fees in Europe. As each barrier comes down, excitement for new cross-Channel options rises. Several companies are confident their bids will be a success and claim that increased competition will ultimately mean lower prices for passengers. While the Channel Tunnel has been open to competitors since 2010, no other operator has attempted to challenge Eurostars' dominance. But recent regulatory shifts and legal challenges have seen interest accelerate, with several companies vying to provide new services. The Virgin Group is one such company and has stated a desire to launch cross-channel train services by 2029. Discussions are already underway for a fleet of trains to operate the service. Competing for access to the 'Chunnel' is a Spanish-led consortium known as Evolyn. The company wants to launch high-speed services between London and Paris and has indicated it has reached an agreement with Alstom to purchase 12 high-speed trains for the service. Also throwing its hat in the ring is a start-up called Gemini Trains. led by Lord Tony Berkeley, a British aristocrat and former Eurotunnel engineer. Gemini has applied for an operator's license to service Paris, Strasbourg, Cologne, and Geneva with a fleet of 10 trains by 2029. Other operators have previously expressed an interest in open access to the Channel Tunnel. Deutsche Bahn showcased a high-speed train at London's St Pancras in 2010, signaling its intent to connect London with destinations in Germany, such as Frankfurt and Cologne. However, it has not yet officially joined the bidding war for services. Related Eurotunnel operator offers cash to attract new cross-channel services Irony of history: How Channel Tunnel breakthrough miner Graham Fagg became a Brexiteer New destinations and cheaper tickets: How Channel Tunnel rail travel might change in the future Since the opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994, Eurostar has held a monopoly on rail services between the UK and Europe. Although there's been nothing stopping new operators from venturing into the market, barriers to entry have been high. For a start, trains must be long enough to align with tunnel evacuation points, and there are various technical requirements that not many manufacturers can meet. The cost of acquiring new trains that comply with these requirements, estimated at €35 - €60 million per train, has deterred competitors from getting involved. In order to operate a cross-channel service, operators also need a depot. London's St Pancras International and the Temple Mills maintenance depot are under Eurostar's control, and it has frequently argued that Temple Mills is already at capacity. However, a new report, commissioned by the UK's Office of Road and Rail (ORR) and conducted by independent consultants IPEX, suggests this is not necessarily true. In its report, IPEX stated that there is 'some' capacity at Temple Mills for more trains to be serviced, maintained, and stored. It says that some of the capacity can be accessed immediately, without any changes, but that the rest will be delivered through investment. Virgin Group applauded the findings of the report, saying that claims suggesting Temple Mills was at capacity have been blocking Virgin's bid for cross-Channel services. 'Finally a green signal for competition,' a spokesperson for Virgin says. 'There are no more major hurdles to overcome, and Virgin is ready to take up the challenge.' However, Eurostar argues that the report effectively validates its claim that the depot is at capacity. A spokesperson said, 'It confirms what Eurostar has said all along: the Temple Mills depot is effectively almost full today for major maintenance work and would require investment to meet the growing demands of international rail.' Eurostar notes that the options in the report could create some capacity, but this would not be enough to accommodate any single additional operator. Related Combined air-rail tickets: How to fly, ride and explore Europe on one booking Eurostar and SkyTeam join up to offer plane to train journeys in a single booking from 2025 The European tube: Inside the project to launch a continent-wide rail system Increased competition on the Eurotunnel services is widely considered to bring benefits to passengers. In any market, more competition tends to lead to lower prices, better services and more choice, and the cross-Channel rail market is no different. Yann Leriche, CEO of Getlink (the company that operates the Channel Tunnel), told the BBC that through competition, 'the market will be more dynamic, all operators will improve their offer.' 'I love Eurostar's service, but competition keeps everyone on their toes,' says Mark Smith, also known as the Man in Seat 61. 'The extra capacity this will bring has been shown to lower prices. It's definitely good news for travellers.' While prices for Eurotunnel service may fall as competition hots up, having more choice is crucial to the attractiveness of rail options. Being able to travel directly to London from cities in Germany, Switzerland and beyond is a good first step in making rail a workable alternative to air travel and encouraging passengers to switcht to this lower carbon form of transportation. Smith further notes that there could be more connections in the UK too, as Gemini Trains has touted services from Ebbsfleet in Kent. 'Eurostar doesn't want to do that,' he says. 'Let's also hope competitors will consider easier bike access and allowing dogs.'
Euronews
02-04-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Eurostar rivals given ‘green signal' for cross-Channel trains: What could it mean for passengers?
ADVERTISEMENT For nearly three decades, Eurostar has been the only rail operator running through the Channel Tunnel, connecting the UK with mainland Europe. But recent shifts in regulation and burgeoning demand for lower-carbon travel options have boosted interest from competitors. Companies from the UK and Europe are eagerly eyeing a share of the market, but starting services hasn't been easy. Expensive trains, limited space for them to be serviced, maintained, and stored, and Eurostar's dominance have conspired to maintain the monopoly. But things are starting to change. A new report commissioned by the Office of Road and Rail has ruled that Eurostar must provide access to new operators at Temple Mills depot. It also demanded that HS1, the high-speed rail link between London and the Tunnel, reduce its fees from almost €30 per mile. Currently these are the highest fees in Europe. As each barrier comes down, excitement for new cross-Channel options rises. Several companies are confident their bids will be a success and claim that increased competition will ultimately mean lower prices for passengers. Which rail operators want to run Channel Tunnel services? While the Channel Tunnel has been open to competitors since 2010, no other operator has attempted to challenge Eurostars' dominance. But recent regulatory shifts and legal challenges have seen interest accelerate, with several companies vying to provide new services. The Virgin Group is one such company and has stated a desire to launch cross-channel train services by 2029. Discussions are already underway for a fleet of trains to operate the service. Competing for access to the 'Chunnel' is a Spanish-led consortium known as Evolyn. The company wants to launch high-speed services between London and Paris and has indicated it has reached an agreement with Alstom to purchase 12 high-speed trains for the service. Also throwing its hat in the ring is a start-up called Gemini Trains. led by Lord Tony Berkeley, a British aristocrat and former Eurotunnel engineer. Gemini has applied for an operator's license to service Paris, Strasbourg, Cologne, and Geneva with a fleet of 10 trains by 2029. Other operators have previously expressed an interest in open access to the Channel Tunnel. Deutsche Bahn showcased a high-speed train at London's St Pancras in 2010, signaling its intent to connect London with destinations in Germany, such as Frankfurt and Cologne. However, it has not yet officially joined the bidding war for services. Related Eurotunnel operator offers cash to attract new cross-channel services Irony of history: How Channel Tunnel breakthrough miner Graham Fagg became a Brexiteer New destinations and cheaper tickets: How Channel Tunnel rail travel might change in the future New report brings Eurostar competition closer Since the opening of the Channel Tunnel in 1994, Eurostar has held a monopoly on rail services between the UK and Europe. Although there's been nothing stopping new operators from venturing into the market, barriers to entry have been high. For a start, trains must be long enough to align with tunnel evacuation points, and there are various technical requirements that not many manufacturers can meet. The cost of acquiring new trains that comply with these requirements, estimated at €35 - €60 million per train, has deterred competitors from getting involved. In order to operate a cross-channel service, operators also need a depot. London's St Pancras International and the Temple Mills maintenance depot are under Eurostar's control, and it has frequently argued that Temple Mills is already at capacity. However, a new report, commissioned by the UK's Office of Road and Rail (ORR) and conducted by independent consultants IPEX, suggests this is not necessarily true. In its report, IPEX stated that there is 'some' capacity at Temple Mills for more trains to be serviced, maintained, and stored. It says that some of the capacity can be accessed immediately, without any changes, but that the rest will be delivered through investment. Virgin Group applauded the findings of the report, saying that claims suggesting Temple Mills was at capacity have been blocking Virgin's bid for cross-Channel services. 'Finally a green signal for competition,' a spokesperson for Virgin says. 'There are no more major hurdles to overcome, and Virgin is ready to take up the challenge.' ADVERTISEMENT However, Eurostar argues that the report effectively validates its claim that the depot is at capacity. A spokesperson said, 'It confirms what Eurostar has said all along: the Temple Mills depot is effectively almost full today for major maintenance work and would require investment to meet the growing demands of international rail.' Eurostar notes that the options in the report could create some capacity, but this would not be enough to accommodate any single additional operator. Related Combined air-rail tickets: How to fly, ride and explore Europe on one booking Eurostar and SkyTeam join up to offer plane to train journeys in a single booking from 2025 The European tube: Inside the project to launch a continent-wide rail system Will new options be good for cross-Channel passengers? Increased competition on the Eurotunnel services is widely considered to bring benefits to passengers. In any market, more competition tends to lead to lower prices, better services and more choice, and the cross-Channel rail market is no different. Yann Leriche, CEO of Getlink (the company that operates the Channel Tunnel), told the BBC that through competition, 'the market will be more dynamic, all operators will improve their offer.' ADVERTISEMENT 'I love Eurostar's service, but competition keeps everyone on their toes,' says Mark Smith, also known as the Man in Seat 61. 'The extra capacity this will bring has been shown to lower prices. It's definitely good news for travellers.' While prices for Eurotunnel service may fall as competition hots up, having more choice is crucial to the attractiveness of rail options. Being able to travel directly to London from cities in Germany, Switzerland and beyond is a good first step in making rail a workable alternative to air travel and encouraging passengers to switcht to this lower carbon form of transportation. Smith further notes that there could be more connections in the UK too, as Gemini Trains has touted services from Ebbsfleet in Kent. 'Eurostar doesn't want to do that,' he says. 'Let's also hope competitors will consider easier bike access and allowing dogs.'
The Guardian
31-03-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Virgin says ‘no more major hurdles' to running cross-Channel trains
Richard Branson's Virgin Group has said there are 'no more major hurdles to overcome' before it can begin operating passenger trains through the Channel tunnel after a decision by the rail regulator. The company, owned by the billionaire entrepreneur, made the claim after the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said some capacity at Eurostar's Temple Mills maintenance depot in north-east London could be made available to other operators. Access to a suitable depot for maintaining and storing trains has been cited by the industry as a critical requirement for companies to compete with Eurostar. Virgin, which previously operated intercity trains in Britain including between London and Glasgow, plans to start rail services connecting the UK capital with Paris and Brussels. It also hopes to run trains to Amsterdam. Earlier this month it said it was raising £700m to fund the plan. The ORR made its statement after receiving an independent report it commissioned to investigate the issue. The regulator said: 'Eurostar's London depot would be able, if required, to accommodate additional trains.' It added: 'Changes to operational and maintenance arrangements at the depot, as well as possible alterations to infrastructure, would be required to access extra capacity and allow more trains to be stabled/maintained there.' Eurostar holds a monopoly in running passenger services through the Channel tunnel, which opened in 1994. A Virgin Group spokesperson said: 'Finally a green signal for competition. The Temple Mills depot is the only facility in the UK which can accommodate European-style trains and claims suggesting it was at capacity have been blocking Virgin from coming to the line. 'Virgin is therefore very pleased with the outcome … There are no more major hurdles to overcome.' It added: 'We expect to be able to make an announcement very soon.' Virgin Group was the majority owner of Virgin Trains when it ran domestic services on the west coast mainline from 1997 to 2019. Gemini Trains, chaired by the Labour peer Tony Berkeley, and the Spanish startup Evolyn are also hoping to run trains through the tunnel. Andrew Meaney, a partner at the economics and finance consultancy Oxera, which is advising Gemini Trains, said: 'Gemini welcomes that the ORR's transparent process has determined there is available capacity at Temple Mills international depot and we look forward to working with them as they use their duties to allocate this capacity.' Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion Eurostar said the OOR-commissioned report 'confirms' that the depot was 'effectively almost full today for major maintenance work and would require investment to meet the growing demands of international rail'. It added: 'The options presented in the report could help create some capacity, but this would not be enough to accommodate the stated ambitions of any single operator.' Separately on Monday, Network Rail's boss, Andrew Haines, announced his retirement amid a government overhaul of the sector. He will leave the company in October after seven years in the role. The functions of Network Rail, which manages railway infrastructure, will be taken over by Great British Railways, a new state-owned company. The government is consulting on policies to be included in the forthcoming railways bill that will enable the establishment of GBR. Thousands of jobs could go as part of the planned shake-up.
