Eurotunnel, SNCF-Réseau, HS1 and Lisea have signed an agreement to launch a feasibility study on the adaptions necessary for allowing passengers to travel directly from Bordeaux Saint Jean station to London St Pancras. The infrastructure managers want to create a ‘turn-key’ open access route for a potential operator.

The study will examine the requirements for the facilities for a new border control and security, to allow passengers to travel directly from Bordeaux St Jean station to London St Pancras, without the need to change trains. The new service would take under five hours and is made possible by the recent opening of the South Europe Atlantic high-speed line between Tours and Bordeaux.

“International travellers cherish the convenience of direct high-speed rail services”, Railway Network Director Jean-Pierre Ramirez of Eurotunnel commented. “Following the success of London – Amsterdam, the introduction of such an offer between Bordeaux and London is set to become the market reference.”

Expats

Over one million people travelled by air between London and Bordeaux region last year. According to the infrastructure managers, modelling shows that up to 20 per cent would switch to rail for a service of this distance.

“With one in four British Expats living in the Bordeaux region, we have every confidence that this will be a successful and well-used route,” HS1’s Commercial Director Wendy Spinks said. “We are demonstrating this confidence by investing in the station development necessary to make it a reality.”

Also read:

Channel Tunnel growth despite Brexit and French railway strikes