Getlink, the owner of Eurotunnel, has unveiled plans for the implementation of direct high-speed train connections from London to Cologne, Frankfurt, Geneva, and Zurich. These prospective routes are projected to become operational within the next five years, subsequent to the enhancement of UK rail links to Europe with doubled capacity.
In spite of Eurostar’s historical provision of London to Paris and Brussels services through the Channel Tunnel, Getlink has affirmed the potential for prompt incorporation of new operators and destinations. Evolyn, a Spanish rail company, and Heuro, a Dutch train startup, have both indicated keen interest in competing with Eurostar.
Yann Leriche, the CEO of Getlink, has divulged that discussions have taken place with at least two other potential operators regarding the initiation of competitive services via the tunnel. He has also contended that rail travel could eventually represent 30-40% of the air traffic on the shorter London to Germany and Switzerland routes, typically spanning five to six hours by train.
Leriche is optimistic about the repercussions of heightened competition and train frequency, anticipating a subsequent decrease in passenger fares. Furthermore, Getlink is actively seeking to augment freight services and has urged the UK government to allocate a portion of the funds saved from abandoning the HS2 north of Birmingham to facilitate the transportation of standard international containers along a crucial route.
It is evident that Getlink is steadfast in its commitment to upgrading the operations within the Channel Tunnel, as demonstrated by the company’s €78m (£67m) investment in new border booths. This investment preempts the expected implementation of the EU entry-exit system in October 2024, necessitating UK citizens to register their biometric details when initially entering the rest of Europe. The new border infrastructure aims to mitigate delays, although it is foreseen that processing a carload of passengers will take approximately six to seven minutes.
Complementing the advancements in infrastructure and operations, Leriche has also addressed the issue of “social dumping” by competitors operating on the Channel crossing. He has voiced apprehensions regarding the employment practices of certain ferry companies, contending that they are effectively remunerating foreign agency workers about 60% less than the minimum wage once social benefits and leave are factored in, during extended periods at sea that unions have previously deemed inappropriate.
The developments within Eurotunnel and the potential for new high-speed train routes from London symbolize a momentous transformation in cross-border travel and transportation. With a commitment to increased competition, enhanced infrastructure, and the redressal of social concerns, Eurotunnel stands on the cusp of a new phase of growth and expansion.
