Eurostar to Introduce Double-Decker Trains for Increased Capacity and Competition

Strategic Insights -

Eurostar, a leading railway operator connecting London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, is set to introduce double-decker trains by 2031. The new trains, built by French manufacturer Alstom and branded Eurostar Celestia, will increase the company's capacity to 1,080 people, a 20% rise from the current capacity. The introduction of these trains aims to meet the growing demand for city centre-to-city centre travel, with Eurostar expecting to reach an annual total of 30 million passengers across its network.

Key Takeaways:

  • Eurostar has placed firm orders for 30 double-decker trains, with options for 20 more, to be built by Alstom and branded Eurostar Celestia.
  • The new trains will increase capacity by 20% to 1,080 people and will operate on Eurostar's continental network linking the French, Belgian, and Dutch capitals.
  • Eurostar aims to reach an annual total of 30 million passengers across its network, with the new trains expected to achieve this goal.
  • The company plans to add three more daily frequencies to Paris, increasing seats by around 2 million, and launch new direct services to Cologne, Frankfurt, and Geneva.
  • Eurostar will not assign specific trains to cross-Channel or continental routes, ensuring all trains will serve all destinations.
  • The rail firm's investment of €2 billion (£1.74 billion) is expected to support the project and create around 350 new roles in the UK.
  • Eurostar aims to maintain its new fleet at Temple Mills depot, which will be upgraded to accommodate the increased capacity.
  • The company argues that its investment is crucial for its industrial ecosystem and will support the creation of skilled jobs in the UK.

Statistics:

  • Eurostar expects to reach an annual total of 30 million passengers across its network by 2031.
  • The new double-decker trains will increase capacity by 20% to 1,080 people.
  • Eurostar's investment of €2 billion (£1.74 billion) will support the project and create around 350 new roles in the UK.
  • The company expects to add around 2 million seats by increasing daily frequencies to Paris.
  • Eurostar will maintain its new fleet at Temple Mills depot, which will be upgraded to accommodate the increased capacity.

Sources:

  • Eurostar, "Introduction to Eurostar Celestia"
  • Alstom, "Alstom to supply 30 double-decker trains for Eurostar"
  • The Independent, "Eurostar's €2bn investment will add 2 million seats to its daily services"
  • The Times, "Eurostar chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave on the company's expansion plans"
  • Getlink, "Memorandum of Understanding for expanding rail connectivity"
  • FlixBus, "London to Paris from £42"
  • Trenitalia, "Trenitalia to connect London with Milan"
  • Office of Rail and Road, "Temple Mills depot expansion plans"