The Eurostar monopoly on high-speed trains between London and the Continent may finally be coming to an end after years of plans advanced by various railroad operators.
The latest plan is from Evolyn, a company run by a Spanish family, with French and British partners, including British transport operator Mobico, formerly the National Express. The company is serious enough to have ordered 12 trains certified for Channel Tunnel operation from Alstom, the company that makes France’s TGVs and the existing Eurostar trains. There’s an option to expand the order to 16 units.
Evolyn’s plan, which calls for operations to start in 2025 and be up to full strength the following year, has been welcomed by the British infrastructure company operating Britain’s only high-speed line, connecting London to the Channel Tunnel. It’s also a boost for Alstom, which has been in financial difficulty recently.
Image: Entrance to the Channel Tunnel
