An Italian rail company, which became the first alternative operator on France’s high-speed rail network, has announced plans to expand into the UK. By 2029, the company aims to run trains between London and Paris, as well as offering services to other European cities, including Lille, Lyon, Marseilles, and Milan. These routes were previously abandoned by Eurostar after Brexit.
In a boost for businesses and passengers in the southeast of the UK, the new service could also bring back stops in Ashford, Kent, a station Eurostar ceased serving during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company behind the plans, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS), is renowned for its Frecciarossa (“Red Arrow”) express trains. The FS service in the UK will be modeled on these trains, which have recently resumed operation on an Alpine route between Paris and Milan after a two-year disruption caused by a landslide.
Eurostar Faces Competition
If FS trains do enter the UK market, it will not be the company’s first foray into British rail services. FS already owns a 30% stake in Avanti West Coast and operates the C2C franchise between London and south Essex. Reports suggest that FS has reached an agreement with Spanish rail operator Evolyn, which had plans for London-Europe routes but has fallen behind in the race. Susanne Kries, co-author of Europe by Rail, told The Independent that FS Frecciarossa trains are likely to be the first serious competitor to Eurostar.
This announcement follows Virgin’s recent confirmation that there are no longer significant barriers to its own entry into the UK-Europe rail market. Additionally, London St Pancras Highspeed (LSPH) has offered major discounts to operators launching services on its lines. This could mean increased competition for Eurostar, which currently operates at only 50% capacity. Eurostar faced criticism in December 2024 in a Transport & Environment report, which ranked it at the bottom of the list of European rail companies, highlighting its high ticket prices, which are double the European average.
Challenges Ahead for New Rail Service
However, Adam Parkinson, founder of the GoLink Advisory Group, cautioned that passengers should not expect the new service to launch before the 2030s. He explained that the Channel Tunnel is a highly complex piece of infrastructure, with rolling stock specifically designed to meet strict safety regulations for fire and emergency egress. Parkinson estimates that it would take at least five years to finance and develop the necessary new trains, making an earlier launch impractical.
Despite this, Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, CEO of FS, expressed confidence in the project. He stated, “High-speed rail networks are the backbone of efficient and environmentally friendly mobility. By expanding our presence on key corridors, we are not just investing in infrastructure and innovation but in the future of European transport. More competition will help create a more efficient and customer-oriented industry, providing a real alternative to air travel.”
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