Latest news with #LondonStPancrasHighspeed
Euronews
11-04-2025
- Business
- Euronews
New competitors could slash Channel Tunnel rail fare by 30 per cent in the next 15 years
ADVERTISEMENT In the next 15 years, passengers on the Channel Tunnel rail line could triple, while fares could fall by almost a third. These are the findings of a new report conducted by consultancy Steer and commissioned by London St Pancras Highspeed, owner of the tracks and station serving the Channel Tunnel . The study forecasts a rise in passenger numbers from the current level of 11 million a year to 35 million by 2040. This anticipated growth, along with increased competition on the route, could drive fares down by up to 30 per cent, the analysis concludes. Plans are already in motion to double the international passenger capacity at St Pancras. At present, it supports up to 1,800 international passengers per hour, but the operator wants to see this increased to as many as 5,000 passengers an hour. To facilitate this, London St Pancras Highspeed and Eurotunnel are collaborating to shorten journey times, improve timetable coordination and introduce more frequent services. Modifications to the station itself include reconfiguring existing spaces and constructing new facilities to cope with more passengers. Related Czechia, Spain, France: Where are railway networks growing the fastest in Europe? A two-storey bar and more leg room: Inside France's new high-speed TGV trains Why can we expect Channel Tunnel fares to decrease? The 30 per cent fare reduction is projected to come as a result of increased competition and the growth in demand for rail travel through the Channel Tunnel. Currently, Eurostar is the sole operator on the Channel Tunnel route. As with any business existing in a monopoly, fares and pricing in the absence of competition become artificially inflated. With new operators vying to get their trains on the route, more options will stimulate competition, naturally driving down prices. There are also the economies of scale to consider. The expected growth in demand could mean the overall cost per passenger for operators will decrease. Fixed costs of train operation can be spread across a larger number of passengers, allowing companies to price their fares a little lower. St Pancras is planning a significant expansion to accommodate increased traveller numbers. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved Adding to the potential for cheaper cross-channel rail connections are new financial incentives introduced by London St. Pancras Highspeed. Under the International Growth Incentive Scheme, new and existing operators on the HS1 line can unlock rebates of £1 (€1.17) per additional passenger carried, which will be paid into a joint fund for marketing and growing passenger demand. New services can attract discounts on the fees for using the line of up to 50 per cent in year one, 40 per cent in year two and 30 per cent in year three. The report leans heavily into the shift in consumer behaviour and the move towards more sustainable travel options . As the passenger base increases, operators will be able to offer lower fares and compete more fairly with budget airline options. Related Paris and Berlin linked: High-speed train service launches with fares from €59 The European tube: Inside the project to launch a continent-wide rail system Which train operators are bringing the competition to the Channel Tunnel The Channel Tunnel has been open to competitors since 2010, but the high costs of launching services and acquiring trains to run the route have deterred new operators from competing. ADVERTISEMENT Recent regulatory changes and the launch of incentives have seen a newfound interest in cross-channel rail services, and several operators have already thrown their hats in the ring to operate services. The Virgin Group 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 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 in the mix 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. ADVERTISEMENT Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane is the latest company to join the race to compete with Eurostar. Nelso Silva via Flickr Most recently, Italian state railway Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane has been revealed to be studying cross-channel services and is working with Evolyn towards this goal. 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. Where could you go via the Channel Tunnel, and when? While discussions are still at early stages, the proposed new competitors on Channel Tunnel services could open direct rail connections to many more European cities from London. Paris is a key destination and will provide direct competition with Eurostar. Ferrovie, Virgin Group and Evolyn have all mentioned Paris services in their communications to date. ADVERTISEMENT As well as this, Virgin wants to connect London with Amsterdam and Brussels, while Getlink wants to run services directly to German and Swiss cities, including Frankfurt, Cologne, Geneva, Zurich, and Milan. Most of the companies are targeting a launch between 2029-2030. However, Evolyn is aiming for a more ambitious 2026 start, though this timeline may prove optimistic given the challenges of entering the market. From finding space for storage and maintenance of trains to money for the purchase of the equipment itself, the barriers to entry remain high. Positive signals were received in early April when the UK's Office of Road and Rail concluded that Eurostar must provide access to new operators at Temple Mills depot, a significant hurdle for any new operator. It also said the fees on the HS1 line were too high at €30 per mile - the most expensive in Europe. ADVERTISEMENT Virgin Group declared this to be ' a green signal for competition ,' although Eurostar maintains Temple Mills is at capacity and can't support even one new operator. New trains in the Channel Tunnel will take time, but increased competition will undoubtedly serve to lower prices for the traveling public. In addition to lower fares, increased competition could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of travel as more passengers opt for this low-emission option. High-speed rail can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent compared to flying.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New competitors could slash Channel Tunnel rail fare by 30 per cent in the next 15 years
In the next 15 years, passengers on the Channel Tunnel rail line could triple, while fares could fall by almost a third. These are the findings of a new report conducted by consultancy Steer and commissioned by London St Pancras Highspeed, owner of the tracks and station serving the Channel Tunnel. The study forecasts a rise in passenger numbers from the current level of 11 million a year to 35 million by 2040. This anticipated growth, along with increased competition on the route, could drive fares down by up to 30 per cent, the analysis concludes. Plans are already in motion to double the international passenger capacity at St Pancras. At present, it supports up to 1,800 international passengers per hour, but the operator wants to see this increased to as many as 5,000 passengers an hour. To facilitate this, London St Pancras Highspeed and Eurotunnel are collaborating to shorten journey times, improve timetable coordination and introduce more frequent services. Modifications to the station itself include reconfiguring existing spaces and constructing new facilities to cope with more passengers. Related Czechia, Spain, France: Where are railway networks growing the fastest in Europe? A two-storey bar and more leg room: Inside France's new high-speed TGV trains The 30 per cent fare reduction is projected to come as a result of increased competition and the growth in demand for rail travel through the Channel Tunnel. Currently, Eurostar is the sole operator on the Channel Tunnel route. As with any business existing in a monopoly, fares and pricing in the absence of competition become artificially inflated. With new operators vying to get their trains on the route, more options will stimulate competition, naturally driving down prices. There are also the economies of scale to consider. The expected growth in demand could mean the overall cost per passenger for operators will decrease. Fixed costs of train operation can be spread across a larger number of passengers, allowing companies to price their fares a little lower. Adding to the potential for cheaper cross-channel rail connections are new financial incentives introduced by London St. Pancras Highspeed. Under the International Growth Incentive Scheme, new and existing operators on the HS1 line can unlock rebates of £1 (€1.17) per additional passenger carried, which will be paid into a joint fund for marketing and growing passenger demand. New services can attract discounts on the fees for using the line of up to 50 per cent in year one, 40 per cent in year two and 30 per cent in year three. The report leans heavily into the shift in consumer behaviour and the move towards more sustainable travel options. As the passenger base increases, operators will be able to offer lower fares and compete more fairly with budget airline options. Related Paris and Berlin linked: High-speed train service launches with fares from €59 The European tube: Inside the project to launch a continent-wide rail system The Channel Tunnel has been open to competitors since 2010, but the high costs of launching services and acquiring trains to run the route have deterred new operators from competing. Recent regulatory changes and the launch of incentives have seen a newfound interest in cross-channel rail services, and several operators have already thrown their hats in the ring to operate services. The Virgin Group 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 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 in the mix 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. Most recently, Italian state railway Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane has been revealed to be studying cross-channel services and is working with Evolyn towards this goal. 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. While discussions are still at early stages, the proposed new competitors on Channel Tunnel services could open direct rail connections to many more European cities from London. Paris is a key destination and will provide direct competition with Eurostar. Ferrovie, Virgin Group and Evolyn have all mentioned Paris services in their communications to date. As well as this, Virgin wants to connect London with Amsterdam and Brussels, while Getlink wants to run services directly to German and Swiss cities, including Frankfurt, Cologne, Geneva, Zurich, and Milan. Most of the companies are targeting a launch between 2029-2030. However, Evolyn is aiming for a more ambitious 2026 start, though this timeline may prove optimistic given the challenges of entering the market. From finding space for storage and maintenance of trains to money for the purchase of the equipment itself, the barriers to entry remain high. Positive signals were received in early April when the UK's Office of Road and Rail concluded that Eurostar must provide access to new operators at Temple Mills depot, a significant hurdle for any new operator. It also said the fees on the HS1 line were too high at €30 per mile - the most expensive in Europe. Virgin Group declared this to be 'a green signal for competition,' although Eurostar maintains Temple Mills is at capacity and can't support even one new operator. New trains in the Channel Tunnel will take time, but increased competition will undoubtedly serve to lower prices for the traveling public. In addition to lower fares, increased competition could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of travel as more passengers opt for this low-emission option. High-speed rail can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 per cent compared to flying.
The Independent
09-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Train fares from London to Europe set for big change
International train ticket prices through the Channel Tunnel could drop by up to 30 per cent if passenger numbers increase as predicted, a new report suggests. The study, conducted by infrastructure consultancy Steer, forecasts a potential tripling of annual passenger numbers on the high-speed line between London and the tunnel, rising from 11 million to 35 million by 2040. This anticipated growth, coupled with increased competition, could drive fare reductions of up to 30 per cent, according to the analysis. The research was commissioned by London St Pancras High Speed, owner of the tracks and the station. Plans are already in motion to double the international passenger capacity of St Pancras station to almost 5,000 passengers per hour, anticipating the projected increase in demand. Robert Sinclair, chief executive of London St Pancras Highspeed, said: 'This report points to the biggest transformation in international high-speed rail travel in a generation. 'Passengers are increasingly choosing rail over air for climate reasons and because they like the convenience and comfort of direct city centre to city centre travel. 'With collective determination and action, we can triple passenger numbers, lower fares and unlock new destinations across Europe. 'Our growth incentive is a catalyst to help make this vision a reality by supporting operators to introduce new services faster, shaping an exciting future for international rail.' Several companies are developing plans to run passenger trains through the Channel Tunnel, rivalling Eurostar, which has held a monopoly since the infrastructure opened in 1994. Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group said last week there were 'no more major hurdles to overcome' before it could begin services, and it expected to 'make an announcement very soon'. It made the comment after regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) determined that some capacity at Eurostar 's Temple Mills maintenance depot in north-east London could be made available to other operators. Plans to launch services are also being developed by FS Italiane Group – which has signed a memorandum of understanding with Spanish company Evolyn to potentially form a partnership – and Gemini, chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley. London St Pancras Highspeed recently announced it will offer reduced charges to operators running additional international services on the line, which is operating at about 50 per cent capacity. Eurostar services from London serve Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, as well as running seasonal ski trains to the French Alps. Getlink – the French owner of the Channel Tunnel – believes there is the potential for services between London and locations such as Bordeaux, Cologne, Frankfurt, Geneva, Marseille and Zurich.
The Independent
09-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
International train fares from London could be cut by 30%
Ticket prices for train services through the Channel Tunnel could be reduced by up to 30% if demand grows, according to a report. The study by infrastructure consultancy Steer predicted that annual passenger numbers for international train travel on the high-speed line between London and the tunnel could triple from 11 million to 35 million by 2040. Expected growth and competition could lead to fare reductions of up to 30%, according to the analysis commissioned by London St Pancras High Speed, which owns those tracks and the station in the capital. There are plans to double the international passenger capacity of St Pancras to nearly 5,000 per hour. Robert Sinclair, chief executive of London St Pancras Highspeed, said: 'This report points to the biggest transformation in international high-speed rail travel in a generation. 'Passengers are increasingly choosing rail over air for climate reasons and because they like the convenience and comfort of direct city centre to city centre travel. 'With collective determination and action, we can triple passenger numbers, lower fares and unlock new destinations across Europe. 'Our growth incentive is a catalyst to help make this vision a reality by supporting operators to introduce new services faster, shaping an exciting future for international rail.' Several companies are developing plans to run passenger trains through the Channel Tunnel, rivalling Eurostar, which has held a monopoly since the infrastructure opened in 1994. Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group said last week there were 'no more major hurdles to overcome' before it could begin services, and it expected to 'make an announcement very soon'. It made the comment after regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) determined that some capacity at Eurostar's Temple Mills maintenance depot in north-east London could be made available to other operators. Plans to launch services are also being developed by FS Italiane Group – which has signed a memorandum of understanding with Spanish company Evolyn to potentially form a partnership – and Gemini, chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley. London St Pancras Highspeed recently announced it will offer reduced charges to operators running additional international services on the line, which is operating at about 50% capacity. Eurostar services from London serve Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, as well as running seasonal ski trains to the French Alps. Getlink – the French owner of the Channel Tunnel – believes there is the potential for services between London and locations such as Bordeaux, Cologne, Frankfurt, Geneva, Marseille and Zurich.
The Independent
08-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
London to Milan by train? A new Eurostar rival sets out plans for services from 2029
Italian State Railways has announced a €1bn (£860m) investment in a train service along the Channel Tunnel – with plans to run between London and Paris by 2029. Since the Covid pandemic, Eurostar has enjoyed extremely strong demand on its rail link between France and the UK. Booking a day ahead, of the 15 departures on the route only four have seats available – with a minimum fare of £235 one way. The easyJet air fare from Luton is over £100 cheaper. But patient passengers can look forward to competition from Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS). The giant rail organisation says rolling stock inspired by the Frecciarossa ('Red Arrow') express trains in continental Europe will be used. Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, chief executive of the Italian enterprise, said: 'This investment is a decisive step forward in FS Group's vision of building a more integrated, competitive and sustainable European rail network. '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'. The rail link between London and the Channel Tunnel is current operating at only 50 per cent capacity, according to London St Pancras Highspeed, which runs the line. The firm's chief executive, Robert Sinclair, said: 'We welcome the role that new and existing operators can play in increasing capacity on the high-speed line between London St Pancras and the Channel Tunnel. 'Greater competition will offer more choice for passengers, lower fares, and access to new destinations, all of which support a shift to more sustainable travel. 'Encouraging more people to choose rail over air is one of the most effective ways to cut transport emissions. We are excited about working with all operators that share our ambition to grow the market, attract new passengers, and realise the full environmental and economic potential of high-speed rail.' FS says it is working with Evolyn, a Spanish start-up, which had previously said it wanted to begin services on the route by 2025. Sir Richard Branson 's Virgin Group has also expressed an interest in running trains between London and Paris, as has a start-up named Gemini. But speaking to The Independent last month, well before the news of the Italian connection emerged, Susanne Kries – co-author of Europe by Rail – predicted: 'It will a FS Frecciarossa which first competes with Eurostar." The FS announcement follows two significant developments in the past 10 days. London St Pancras Highspeed announced discounts on infrastructure charges to operators planning new routes. And a study from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) about Eurostar's Temple Mills maintenance depot in east London – essential for any rival operator – concluded 'some capacity can be made available' at the depot. A Eurostar spokesperson said the study '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'. They added: 'Demand for international rail and sustainable travel is at an all-time high, which is a hugely positive story for European connections and the planet. Eurostar is once again accelerating sustainable growth by aiming to reach 30 million passengers and will invest close to €2bn [£1.72bn] in up to 50 new trains for customers to enjoy.' FS raised the prospect of longer links from London, including to Milan and Marseille. The latter was a Eurostar route that was dropped in response to both Covid and Brexit. Mark Smith, the international rail guru known as The Man in Seat 61, said: 'A ready-made network London-Paris-Lyon-Avignon-Aix-Marseille/Turin-Milan is quite exciting, I must admit.' Eurostar also mothballed two stations in Kent after Brexit: Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International. FS said an evaluation is under way to run trains to and from Ashford. Italian State Railways has been operating in the UK since 2017. It runs the C2C franchise between London and south Essex, and has a 30 per cent stake in Avanti West Coast. High-speed rail competition is flourishing in Spain, where the national operator Renfe is in competition against French-owned Ouigo and Iryo, part-owned by FS. The Madrid-Barcelona rail distance, just over 500km/300 miles, is almost identical to London-Paris. But fares for short-notice trips are typically €40 (£34).
