Infrastructure operator promises financial support for cross-Channel trains
The operator of the high-speed railway line on UK territory has promised financial support for rail operators running trains between mainland Europe and London. The support programme would be launched by the end of May.
High-speed rail infrastructure operator London St. Pancras Highspeed pointed out that the railway line between the Channel Tunnel and London's St. Pancras station is currently only used at 50 per cent of its capacity. New financial support should “encourage train operators to introduce new services, launch new destinations, stop at intermediate stations, roll out new rolling stock and increase passenger volumes,” stated the operator in a press release.
The aid would be divided into two parts. The first part is aimed at new players in the market. They can get a discount on the fee they have to pay to use the railway line. There would also be a compensation per additional passenger carried by rail operators.
Eurostar is also eligible for the latter compensation. Eurostar, partly owned by Belgian rail operator NMBS/SNCB, is currently the only one to transport passengers on high-speed trains from amongst others Paris and Brussels to London and vice versa. Eurostar reacted that it “welcomes all incentives that enable more sustainable international travel and support our plans to run more services”.
London St Pancras Highspeed hopes to launch the support programme by the end of May. It estimates it could give a rail operator a boost of between 40 and 60 million pounds – between 47 and 70.5 million euros – over a three-year period.
Potential Eurostar competitors
In recent months and years, several players have already expressed interest in competing with Eurostar. The most concrete initiative currently seems to be that of British businessman Richard Branson's Virgin Group. Virgin Group confirmed a few weeks ago that it wants to raise 700 million pounds – around 823 million euros – to run trains between London, Paris and Brussels. Virgin says the financial backing will allow it to “further accelerate its projects”.
The list of potential Eurostar competitors also includes German rail operator Deutsche Bahn, Spanish Renfe, Swiss SBB, Spanish initiative Evolyn and Dutch Heurotrain. Gemini Trains was recently added to the list.
Eurostar train at St Pancras station in London © BELGA PHOTO Sandrine Laure Dippa / Hans Lucas via AFP
Related news
