Breaking News: New Cross-Channel Rail Service to Challenge Eurostar
Introduction
In a groundbreaking development, a consortium of companies, including British bus and train company Mobico, is in advanced discussions about launching a cross-Channel rail service to directly compete with Eurostar. This new initiative promises to revolutionize passenger rail traffic between London and major European cities, such as Brussels and Paris.
The Competitors
The group of companies involved in these discussions includes Spanish industrial family Cosmen, which is an investor in Mobico, formerly known as National Express. This partnership brings together the expertise of two prominent players in the transportation industry, raising hopes for a successful venture.
The Battle for Market Dominance
Eurostar has long enjoyed a monopoly over the cross-Channel rail market, connecting London to various European destinations. However, several attempts by other companies to challenge Eurostar’s dominance have been unsuccessful due to logistical and financial challenges associated with operating services through the Channel Tunnel.
The Impending Threat
It is now anticipated that this consortium, backed by the Cosmen family and other potential investors, will pose the first genuine challenge to Eurostar’s supremacy. Operators such as Alstom, who manufacture trains, along with the owners of the Channel Tunnel and high-speed rail infrastructure in the UK, have been engaged in discussions to support the new rail service.
The Investors’ Perspective
The Cosmen family, renowned for their involvement in the Madrid bus company, which they sold to National Express in 2005, are the largest shareholders in the British group. Their wealth of experience in the transportation industry positions them as key players in this ambitious project.
Timeline and Possibilities
While several details are yet to be finalized and potential funding arrangements are still under discussion, the consortium aims to start operating the new rail service as early as 2025. This ambitious timeline exhibits the consortium’s determination and belief in the feasibility and success of this endeavor, which may open doors to further investment opportunities and expansion into other European markets.
Overcoming Post-Brexit Obstacles
In recent years, Eurostar has faced challenges in increasing capacity at its stations due to post-Brexit border controls. This has resulted in delays and reduced efficiency in passenger transportation. The emergence of a competitor brings hope for improved service quality, increased capacity, and better management of border control processes that need to be reformed.
Innovation and Technological Advancements
Industry experts believe that before additional operators can successfully enter the market, border delays must be resolved through the implementation of new technology. This would streamline the border control process and enhance the overall passenger experience.
Summary
Exciting developments are underway in the transportation industry as a consortium of companies, led by Mobico and supported by the Cosmen family, prepares to challenge Eurostar’s monopoly over the cross-Channel rail market. The launch of a new rail service between London and major European cities via the Channel Tunnel is slated for as early as 2025. This consortium aims to improve service quality, increase capacity, and provide a feasible alternative to Eurostar’s offerings. Through strategic partnerships and potential funding arrangements, this ambitious endeavor aims to reshape the landscape of European rail travel.
—————————————————-
| Article | Link |
|---|---|
| UK Artful Impressions | Premiere Etsy Store |
| Sponsored Content | View |
| 90’s Rock Band Review | View |
| Ted Lasso’s MacBook Guide | View |
| Nature’s Secret to More Energy | View |
| Ancient Recipe for Weight Loss | View |
| MacBook Air i3 vs i5 | View |
| You Need a VPN in 2023 – Liberty Shield | View |
Get free rail updates
We will send you a myFT daily digest email rounding last Bar news every morning.
A group of companies, including British bus and train company Mobico, have held detailed talks about launching a cross-Channel rail service to rival Eurostar.
Other parties involved in the discussions include Spanish industrial family Cosmen, which is an investor in Mobico, formerly known as National Express, according to two people familiar with the plans.
The new rail service between London and Paris via the Channel Tunnel will start operating as early as 2025, they said, although final details are yet to be finalized and could change. The consortium had been in discussions with other investors about funding, they added.
The initiative would represent the first challenge to Eurostar’s current monopoly of passenger rail traffic linking London to major European cities, including Brussels and Paris.
There has long been talk of other companies taking on Eurostar, but no competitor has yet managed to overcome the logistical and financial challenges of operating services through the Channel Tunnel.
The group has been discussing an order with French train maker Alstom as well as operators of the Channel Tunnel and high-speed rail infrastructure in the UK, one of the people said.
The Cosmen family, who sold the Madrid bus company to National Express in 2005, are the largest shareholder in the British group.
Mobico, the Cosmen family and Alstom declined to comment.
The plan comes as Eurostar has struggled to increase capacity at its stations due to post-Brexit border controls. The Franco-Belgian company has outlined plans to double the number of passengers from 15 million in 2022 to 30 million by 2030.
An industry executive said border delays should be resolved through the use of new technology before any additional operators are possible.
—————————————————-