Demand for international rail travel on the UK’s only high-speed line, which runs from London to Folkestone, is expected to triple over the next 15 years, growing from 11 million to 35 million passengers annually, a new study has revealed.
The study was announced at a rail stakeholder event where Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, the Minister of State for Rail, delivered an engaging keynote speech. It was commissioned by London St. Pancras Highspeed and undertaken by the infrastructure consultancy, Steer. The findings suggest that the anticipated growth and increased competition on the high-speed line could lead to fare reductions of up to 30%.
The research indicates that there could be up to 18 additional daily services running on existing routes, in addition to the potential for launching trains to as many as five new destinations throughout western Europe.
Following this, London St. Pancras Highspeed unveiled a financial incentive package last week designed to entice both new and existing operators to enhance their services on the line, which currently operates at just 50% of its capacity.
Plans are also underway to expand international passenger capacity at St. Pancras station to accommodate nearly 5,000 passengers per hour to meet the anticipated growth over the forthcoming decade and beyond.
In recent developments, London St. Pancras Highspeed has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Eurotunnel. The goal is to minimize journey times, refine timetable coordination, and incentivize the addition of more trains and routes.
Robert Sinclair, the CEO of London St. Pancras Highspeed, commented: “This report signals the most significant transformation in international high-speed rail travel in a generation. Passengers are increasingly opting for rail over air travel for environmental reasons, appreciating the convenience and comfort of direct city center to city center travel.”
He added, “With concerted effort and actions, we can substantially increase passenger numbers, reduce fares, and unlock new destinations across Europe. Our growth incentive aims to be a catalyst, helping operators to implement new services quicker, thereby shaping an exciting future for international rail.”
Sustainability is becoming more important for passengers. In 2023, a third of travelers reported flying less due to climate considerations, highlighting the attraction of international rail travel. Additionally, there is a rising acceptance of longer journey times due to the convenience of train travel that connects city centers directly.
