European rail travelers could soon have a new option when it comes to making the crossing between London and mainland Europe.
Evolyn, a new high-speed rail start-up company, has revealed plans to launch passenger services on the Channel Tunnel route between London and Paris.
Evolyn hopes to launch its first trains in 2025, with its fleet fully operational in 2026. Proposed services would run non-stop between London St Pancras International and Paris Nord stations, with stops in northern France to possibly be considered at a future time.
"We know that the governments of the United Kingdom and France welcome a project that will allow their citizens to increase the connection options between the UK and several countries in continental Europe with a green alternative that will also contribute to decarbonization," Evolyn CEO Jorge Cosmen told Railway Gazette International.
A young woman walks by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. (Photo Credit: Contiki)According to Reuters, Getlink, the operator of the Channel Tunnel's infrastructure, said in a statement the announcement "confirms the growth potential of the cross-Channel passenger rail market." Getlink added that the Chunnel's infrastructure is designed for almost double the volume of the current rail traffic it sees.
Since 1994, Eurostar has been the only passenger rail company operating cross-channel services. Currently, Eurostar offers direct trains from London to destinations such as Paris, Lille, Brussels, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam alongside services to Germany via a connection.
"It would be the first time, after 30 years of Eurostar's monopoly, that a competitor has entered the market," an Evolyn spokesperson told Reuters.
Our Take
The Chunnel is an engineering wonder that never ceases to amaze and taking a train through it (with the waters of the English Channel above) is a truly special travel experience.
The journey has also become a vital piece of many people’s European trip itineraries over the decades as well, quickly and seamlessly connecting London and the continent.
Competition is always a good thing, so if Evelyn follows through on their plans and ambitious timeline, the service will be a win-win for travelers. The potential doubling of train traffic in the Chunnel will also no doubt encourage more and more travelers to choose to see Europe by rail.
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