For quite some time now, the Channel Tunnel has been monopolised by the Eurostar. And look, I’m certainly not complaining. I love that handy high-speed service that’s been transporting Londoners from the capital to the continent for the past 30 years. But for somebody as commitment-averse as me, it sure would be nice to have some other options. And it seems as though my prayers could soon be answered.
A new train is set to hit the track, courtesy of taxi-tycoons, Uber. They’ve teamed up with a train operator, Gemini Trains – and together they’ve recently revealed plans to introduce a new speedy service that would run from London’s Stratford International to the likes of Paris and Brussels.
Gemini Trains launched back in March and is hoping to ‘change the face of European rail travel’. The new cross-channel services could be in operation as soon as 2030, subject to the relevant regulatory and financial hoops being successfully jumped through.
Stratford International to Paris
Stratford International has always been kitted out with the necessary equipment to accommodate international trains (the clue is in the name, I suppose), but since being built in 2007, the station has only ever been used by domestic trains heading to Kent. If all goes to plan, the new service would mark the first international trains to use Stratford International as their London terminus.
The Uber and Gemini collaboration would also potentially see their trains stopping at Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International, too. These stations were both served by the Eurostar pre-pandemic, but services never resumed – and so this could make the people of Kent very darn happy.
Much like Uber’s relationship with the Thames Clipper boats, Uber would co-brand the trains, but would not actually operate them. That would be Gemini’s responsibility. Passengers could also book tickets via the Uber app, with fares set to be ‘competitive’.
Adrian Quine, CEO of Gemini Trains says: “Innovation and value are at the very heart of what we do so it’s really exciting to be teaming up with Uber, an instantly recognisable global brand which has revolutionised the travel industry. Now passengers will be able to enjoy the same value and comfort on brand new ‘cutting edge’ trains at the touch of a button.”
You can find out more about Gemini Trains here.