Eurostar, which has been the sole operator of passenger rail services in the Channel Tunnel since it opened in 1994, looks likely to be joined by a competitor on the high-speed line connecting the UK with Europe.
A UK-registered company, Evolyn Mobility Limited – whose two directors are part of the Spanish Cosmen family, investors in the parent company of National Express, Mobico – has said that it intends to acquire 12 Avelia high-speed trains from French manufacturer Alstrom, reports Railway Gazette International.
Four more trains are likely to be added. Avelia trains operate on networks across Europe and further afield, such as Italy’s high-speed Italo trains, TGV in France and Amtrak’s East Coast Acela service.
Initially, trains would run between London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord on the same route as Eurostar. Additional destinations in northern France could be added.
A Eurostar representative said: “We have seen the announcement, which is not for us to comment on. Our focus remains on growing sustainable travel in Europe, in the context of the new Eurostar launch. The new Eurostar provides an exciting new proposition for our customers: a unique, sustainable travel experience with a new rewards programme to enjoy.”
Eurostar merged with Thalys last year, whose trains in western Europe now operate under a newly-designed, single Eurostar brand. The expanded Eurostar network allows customers to book trains from London to France, Belgium, the Netherlands, as well as several destinations in Germany, with a change of trains in Paris, Lille or Brussels.
Discussions about access rights on the HS1 Line for Evolyn trains between the UK and France are under way, reports Railway Gazette International. The line’s owners said “we look forward to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure Evolyn can begin running services on the line as soon as possible.”
Source: Inews
