As the high-speed Eurostar train linking London with Paris and Brussels through the Channel Tunnel celebrated its 10th anniversary with an unusual “walk on the water”, evidence of its commercial success was unveiled: the highest market share recorded in its 10-year history, as well a substantial increase in passenger numbers and significant improvement in punctuality. In addition, plans for future improvements were announced, according to Rail Europe, official North American distributor of Eurostar.

In an unusual ceremony celebrating a decade of service (begun November 14, 1994), a specially decorated Eurostar power car [engine] was floated on the Thames River in London under Tower Bridge on Monday, November 15. A total of 59 million passengers have ridden Eurostar in the past 10 years. In the first 10 months of 2004, the train carried 6.046 million passengers, 16.2% more than the same period last year.

Much of the increase is attributable to the faster travel times and greater punctuality made possible by the completion in September 2003 of the first segment of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link – dedicated high-speed track in the UK, allowing the train to run at 186 mph on most of the British route – as it does on the entire route in France and Belgium. Last year also saw the launch of new low fares, starting at $90 US/$124 CAD roundtrip in standard class, designed to compete with low-cost air carriers.

New records for market share and punctuality

According to figures released by Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority, Eurostar’s leading share of the combined rail/air market on both London-Paris and London-Brussels routes grew in the past year, from 64.91% to 67.99% (London-Paris). Punctuality (operating within 15 minutes of scheduled arrivals/departures) in the first 10 months of 2004 was 89.2%, up 13% over the same period in 2003.

In the last year, airline competitors have reduced the number of flights between London and Brussels. The train takes just 2 hours 35 minutes (London-Paris). Service is frequent, with up to 16 daily departures in either direction (London-Paris).

“All these factors – frequent, on-time service, faster travel times and lower fares - have contributed to the ever-increasing popularity of Eurostar in general,” notes Fabrice Morel, President of Rail Europe Group. “The convenience of traveling city-center to city-center, rather than wasting time and money going to and from airports, makes Eurostar tremendously attractive to North Americans trying to get the most out their relatively brief trips to Europe.”

More improvements coming

By 2007, the last section of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link will be complete, reducing travel times another 20 minutes one-way (40 minutes roundtrip). At that time, Eurostar will operate all trains out of London’s St. Pancras station, rather than Waterloo as it does presently.

Other significant service improvements already completed or due to be completed soon are: refurbished train interiors and new staff uniforms, onboard Wi-Fi capability, and electrical outlets for laptops, mobile phones and other devices in all 1st class carriages and selected standard class carriages.

For Eurostar tickets or more information on Eurostar and trains throughout Europe and the UK, contact a travel agent or Rail Europe at 1-800-EUROSTAR or log on to www.raileurope.com. Media contact: Chris Lazarus, AJ Lazarus Public Relations, chris@ajlazaruspr.com or (718) 789-1500. Photos available upon request to ajl@ajlazaruspr.com. Other high-resolution photos of Eurostar may be downloaded at www.raileurope.com/presspix