London St. Pancras. Credit: Shutterstock, Skyshark Media
Eurotunnel and London St. Pancras Highspeed have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), as reported by Getlink’s official press release, to strengthen international high-speed rail connectivity between London and Europe.
The partnership aims to enhance services, reduce journey times, and encourage new routes, making international train travel more efficient and accessible for passengers.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Eurotunnel and London St. Pancras
The MoU outlines several initiatives designed to improve cross-Channel rail travel. First up is reduced journey times. There will also be increased capacity. The expansion of train services at St. Pancras International will accommodate up to 5,000 passengers per hour. More destinations will be added into the mix – routes to major cities such as Frankfurt and Milan.
According to Euronews, citing market research from Eurotunnel, there is strong demand for train routes to Swiss cities, as well as the South of France.
London St. Pancras Highspeed and Eurotunnel are committed to promoting sustainable, low-carbon travel, with rail journeys helping to offset emissions equivalent to 60,000 short-haul flights annually. Yann Leriche, CEO of Getlink, which owns Eurotunnel, stated in the Getlink press release: “We are keen to drive forward attractive opportunities for low-carbon mobility with a range of new destinations in Germany, Switzerland, and France.”
While the partnership lays the groundwork for expanding high-speed rail, infrastructure and train operators must align for these plans to become reality. Travel expert Mark Smith, founder of train guide Man in Seat 61, told Euronews: “We have to remember that these aren’t plans by a train operator to actually run trains. They are suggestions from infrastructure owners about what trains a future unspecified operator may or may not care to run. There’s a big difference!”
However, with increasing demand for alternatives to flying, new rail operators such as Evolyn are exploring opportunities to launch services between London and major European destinations by 2030.
For expats, locals, and travellers within the EU, this partnership could mean faster, more affordable, and sustainable travel between the UK and mainland Europe in the near future.
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