Italian railway group FS announced a $1.06 billion investment to compete with Eurostar on Tuesday. The company targets a high-speed rail service linking Paris and London by 2029. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Flexible Payment Eurostar Enhances Travel Options in UK and France.
Photo: wikipedia

FS revealed it will collaborate with Spanish firm Evolyn, led by the Cosmen family, for this project. Together, they aim to disrupt the current dominance on the Channel Tunnel route.

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Eurostar Monopoly Under Pressure

Currently, Eurostar controls travel between mainland Europe and London, but rivals are advancing quickly. FS’s bold move signals a shift toward a more competitive rail market in Europe.

CEO Stefano Antonio Donnarumma highlighted the project’s importance for FS’s vision of better connectivity. He noted that high-speed rail promotes efficient, eco-friendly travel and drives infrastructure growth.

The planned service might expand to cities like Lille, Lyon, and Milan, FS confirmed. This expansion supports the goal of linking major European hubs with seamless rail options.

Meanwhile, Virgin Group, led by Richard Branson, also joined the race last month. The company seeks $741 million to launch its own high-frequency service soon.

Virgin’s strategy includes routes from London to Paris, Brussels, and later Amsterdam. However, a depot space dispute in east London slowed its initial progress.

FS secured approval to use the Temple Mills depot in the UK, a key victory. The company also gained critical licenses in France to push forward confidently.

Efforts to boost capacity at St. Pancras station are nearing completion, FS reported. This upgrade ensures the firm can meet rising passenger demand effectively.

The Italian operator already runs a high-speed line between Milan and Paris daily. Additionally, FS manages intercity trains in France and owns UK operator c2c since 2017.

Eurostar Faces New Rivals

Other firms, such as Gemini Trains and Deutsche Bahn, are exploring the Channel Tunnel too. This growing interest hints at a major shake-up in cross-Channel travel soon.

Critics argue that Eurostar’s dominance keeps ticket prices high and limits service enhancements. More competition could reduce fares and improve travel quality significantly, they say.

FS’s $1.06 billion investment reflects a trend of expanding high-speed rail across Europe. As a result, travelers may enjoy more options and better links between cities.

Evolyn first unveiled its Paris-London service plans in 2023, sparking early excitement. Now, with FS’s support, the project gains traction and credibility for success.

This strategic step strengthens FS’s position in the competitive European rail industry. It also establishes the company as a leader in sustainable transport solutions.

As rival firms challenge the market, pressure mounts on Eurostar to adapt swiftly. The next few years could transform travel dynamics across the Channel dramatically.

Source: www.euronews.com

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