Mark Smith – The Man in Seat 61 – thinks it’s possible that Eurostar will have competition, but it will take time.
I spoke to the train travel expert in Episode 233 of The Ski Podcast. After news of bids to compete on the cross-channel line from Virgin Trains, Gemini and Evolyn, I wondered what his thoughts were.
“Will we ever see competitors on that line? It’s possible,” he told me. “I’m not holding my breath because starting up a new train service doesn’t take days or weeks or months. You’re talking at least five years before anyone can go from a standing start to running a train service, possibly longer.”
Mark pointed out that it’s “a lucrative route” but before any competitor comes in they need to sort out capacity for processing passengers at St. Pancras”.
You can listen to the full interview in Episode 233 of The Ski Podcast at www.theskipodcast.com or wherever you listen to podcasts
