A third challenger to Eurostar on Channel Tunnel routes to Europe has emerged.
Start-up Gemini Trains has been developing plans for two years and is chaired by former Eurotunnel engineer and political Lord Tony Berkeley.
The new business joins other potential bids to take on Eurostar’s cross-Channel high speed passenger service monopoly from Virgin Trains and Evolyn, part of the Spanish Cosmen family, the largest shareholders in the National Express group Mobico.
More: Virgin ‘poised for £500m train order’ to break Eurostar monopoly [13 Jan]
Rail regulator opens door to Eurostar competition [6 Jan]
Gemini Trains has suggested services could run from London and Ebbsfleet in Kent from 2029 with a fleet of 10 trains.
It has applied to regulator, the Office of Rail and Road, for an operator’s licence and access to the railways on the route through the Channel Tunnel to the Continent.
A statement from the newcomer said: “Gemini Trains understands the growing demand for long-distance rail travel and recognises rail competition is expanding significantly in Europe. Yet on the core Channel Tunnel route currently, there remains only one choice for customers.
“We believe there is a significant opportunity for a dynamic and innovative operator offering mixed economy and business seats at a competitive price to Eurostar.
“Our aim is to change the face of European rail travel. We believe that an unashamed ‘customer first’ service culture, coupled with great value fares and truly innovative offerings, will help reinvigorate rail travel.
“Gemini Trains will be stylish, comfortable and a real pleasure to travel on, with routes planned between the UK, France and Belgium.
“In future, we plan to expand our offering to several new destinations across Europe.”
All applications are dependent on the Office of Rail and Road agreeing access to capacity at Eurostar’s international rolling stock depot at Temple Mills in east London.
The rail regulator opened the door to possible new competition to Eurostar in January by ordering a cut in fees charged for using the high speed line between London and the Channel Tunnel.