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Could lowering the cost paid by train operators to use the HS1 line bring Europe closer to Kent again?
The Office of Rail and Road made an announcement this month that could open the way for new rail operators on Kent’s high-speed line, including competition for Eurostar on services linking London with mainland Europe.
The UK rail regulator has ordered HS1 Ltd to lower its charges for passenger and freight train operating companies to use the high speed rail line from London to the Channel Tunnel from April 2025.
This is potentially exciting news for the county and the ongoing campaign to restore international rail services to Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International. In theory, lowering fees could lead to more services operating on HS1 with the prospect of the return of stopping services through the county.
A number of operators have already shown interest in competing with Eurostar for services operating out of London St Pancras. Virgin Group is the latest, saying it is close to placing a significant order for high-speed trains to offer rail services from London to mainland Europe. A contract decision is expected in the first quarter of this year.
Spanish operator Evolyn and Dutch train start up Heuro have also expressed an interest in operating new services between London and mainland Europe. HS1 is currently used by Eurostar trains to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, domestic Southeastern services throughout London and Kent, plus freight trains heading to and from the Channel Tunnel.
International domestic services have not stopped in the county since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 with Eurostar saying no stopping services will resume until at least 2026.
Locate in Kent, alongside key partners including Ashford Borough Council, Kent County Council and Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce continues to call on Eurostar to restore services to Ashford and Ebbsfleet International so that businesses located in Kent are able to share the benefits of international services that pass through the county.
Nick Fenton, CEO, Locate in Kent, said: “The decision to reduce access fees for High Speed 1 is potentially great news for Kent passengers but also for economic growth and attracting future investment into the county.
“We will be arguing the case for any future tenders to include stopping services through the county, linking London and Kent with Paris, Brussels and other cities across Europe.”
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