Huge £715m deal could see speedy double-decker trains travel from UK to France
Ambitious plans to run double-decker trains that can travel 300km an hour through the Channel Tunnel may soon become a reality. Plagued by constant delays, cancellations, and expensive fares - it's safe to say the UK's railways are in desperate need of a makeover.
But, being sardined on crammed carriages may soon be a distant memory, as Alstom, a French manufacturer specialising in locomotives, is in talks to use its new Avelia Horizon trains to ramp up journeys across Europe. Chief executive Henri Poupart-Lafarge says its new fleet could lower fares and increase capacity in the undersea Channel Tunnel, which connects the UK to France.
"The double-decker train has a lot of advantages. It's a very high-speed train with the lowest cost per seat and the highest capacity," he told the Financial Times. Alstom has already signed an €850 million (around £715 million) contract to provide and maintain 12 of its double-decker trains for a Proxima, a private operator in France - as well as France's state-owned company The Société nationale des chemins de fer français (SNCF).
However, deliveries have reportedly faced numerous delays and are now not expected until 2026. New trains running through Eurostar's services will also need to be approved by the operate - which could take 'some years'. Trains carrying passengers from London to mainland Europe through the Channel Tunnel will also need to seek approval by regulators to make sure they adhere to strict safety rules.
"The Avelia Horizon brings the experience of visiting the lounge car to a new level. A specific focus has been put on light management and passengers will enjoy the latest innovations in terms of connectivity," Alstom states on its website. "The train is easily accessible with the widest doors at the European platform level. Its articulated architecture provides a smooth and safe ride with less noise and vibrations."
The new announcement comes just months after Virgin Group made a punt to apply for access to the Temple Mills depot in north-east London. In a huge victory for Sir Richard Branson's company, a report conducted by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) found: "There is some available capacity at Temple Mills International (TMI) depot for more trains to be stabled, serviced and maintained."
As previously reported, the investigation also found the depot can comfortably handle 15 of Eurostar's 400-metre-long trains. However, the depot could squeeze up to 20 if needed and on average, Eurostar uses six to 10 of its depot slots for trains, and currently some extra space for decommissioned trains.
"Finally a green signal for competition," hailed a Virgin Group spokesperson. "The Temple Mills depot is the only facility in the UK which can accommodate European-style trains and claims suggesting it was at capacity have been blocking Virgin from coming to the line.
"Virgin is therefore very pleased with the outcome and we thank the ORR for commissioning this report, which will now unlock competition on the cross-Channel route for the benefit of all passengers. There are no more major hurdles to overcome, and Virgin is ready to take up the challenge, given its award-winning experience in the train industry and track-record for building globally successful travel brands."
Eurostar 'welcomed' the independent study by the ORR, arguing 'major maintenance work' and 'investment' would be needed to meet the growing demands of international rail. "The options presented in the report could help create some capacity, but this would not be enough to accommodate the stated ambitions of any single operator. This includes the three organisations who have applied to the regulator and the needs of Eurostar itself," they added.
"Eurostar has complied fully with the regulatory process and will continue to do so. This is in advance of any train orders being placed – and years ahead of those trains being built and needing to access Temple Mills. We believe the conversation now needs to move beyond the inadequate space within the existing depot to look at the bigger picture. Capacity constraints have always been a challenge – whether in stations, at the borders or on-board trains. For 30 years, Eurostar has successfully found new solutions, working closely with stakeholders, and always with our customers in mind."
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