PROGRESS – AT LAST !!

RUNWAYS TO RAILWAYS:

At the end of March, the Campaign for Better Transport held their conference on International Rail. You may wish to read their Runways to Railways report at: https://bettertransport.org.uk/research/runways-to-railways-unlocking-the-potential-of-the-channel-tunnel/

THEN THE REGULATOR STEPS IN !!

On the same day the Regulator (The Office for Rail & Road) confirmed that there was space for more than one train operator to use the depot in Stratford. This then led to 3 train operators making formal bids to run international train services from London to the continent via HS1 and the Channel Tunnel. The 3 organisations who made formal bids were Evolyn, Virgin and Gemini. There are also up to 4 others who have publicly expressed an interest.

Being realistic, only one of the 3 that have made formal bids is likely to become the first to compete against Eurostar within the next 5 years. Terminal capacity at London, Paris & Brussels can now be increased to cope with more passengers and there is probably enough depot capacity for Eurostar + one other operator to run services from London. In practice this will be the train operator who manages to raise sufficient finance to place a firm order for trains which can be certified to run through the channel tunnel.

AND AN INCENTIVE SCHEME AS WELL !!

HS1 the owners of the High-Speed Line plan to launch an International Growth Incentive Scheme. There will be “Financial Incentives” to encourage train operators to expand services, introduce new destinations and boost passenger numbers.

AND A REMINDER FOR THE EUROPEAN FEDERATION CONFERENCE IN SWINDON on 13th & 14th JUNE.

Members of The European Campaign UK pay the reduced conference fee of 100 Euros. Places are still available. You can find further details of the program and registration via this link: https://www.epfconference.eu/