London’s Direct Train Links to Europe: New Routes on the Horizon

A direct London train link to six European cities may soon become a reality. This expansion could transform international travel, offering faster and greener alternatives to air transport. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

London’s Plan to Expand Direct Train Routes

Plans to enhance St Pancras station’s capacity could introduce direct train services to Germany and Switzerland. London St Pancras Highspeed, managing the station and high-speed tracks, aims to attract train operators.

Don’t miss…Belgrade to Purchase 100 Modern Trams to Improve Urban Transport

Their goal is to increase passenger capacity from 1,800 to 5,000 per hour at St Pancras. Currently, Eurostar has exclusive control over passenger trains through the Channel Tunnel.

Eurostar operates trains to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, along with seasonal ski routes. However, it ceased services to Disneyland Paris in June 2023 and no longer reaches southern France.

Competition may arise as Evolyn, a Spanish start-up, and Virgin Group explore launching alternative train services. Getlink, the Channel Tunnel’s French owner, sees potential in routes connecting London to new cities.

Getlink envisions services linking London with Bordeaux, Cologne, Frankfurt, Geneva, Marseille, and Zurich. In pursuit of this goal, it has signed an agreement with London St Pancras Highspeed.

How London’s Rail Expansion Will Change Travel?

Robert Sinclair, CEO of London St Pancras Highspeed, expressed commitment to expanding Europe’s railway network. He emphasized the importance of unlocking the full potential of international train travel.

His vision is for rail transport to become the first choice for traveling to Europe. A well-connected network could offer travelers a sustainable and efficient alternative.

Yann Leriche, CEO of Getlink, highlighted the importance of eco-friendly mobility solutions. He believes expanding train routes will accelerate the transition to lower-carbon transportation.

According to Leriche, the partnership with London St Pancras Highspeed is crucial for future expansion. He sees it as a key step toward boosting international rail connectivity.

By working together, both companies hope to create new routes and improve travel efficiency. They believe enhancing rail services will benefit passengers seeking convenient alternatives to air travel.

Increasing train capacity and adding destinations will make long-distance rail travel more accessible. The companies aim to establish train services as a practical, sustainable transportation option.

With the demand for environmentally friendly travel increasing, this initiative is well-timed. More travelers seek alternatives to flying due to concerns about emissions and sustainability.

Rail services produce significantly lower carbon emissions than air travel, making them a greener choice. Developing better connections could encourage more people to choose trains over planes.

Infrastructure improvements at St Pancras will be essential for accommodating the increased demand. Expanding the station’s capacity will allow more trains to operate efficiently and reliably.

The proposed expansion would mark a significant milestone in international railway development. By introducing competition, the initiative could lead to lower ticket prices and better services.

This transformation could redefine the way people travel between London and Europe. A fully integrated railway network may soon connect major European cities more efficiently than before.

Source: www.mylondon.news

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Colmar Technik joined SRT and became part of the Salcef Group