Key facts
- Italy's FS Group has ordered 19 new high-speed trains from Hitachi Rail.
- The trains are intended for a new London-Paris service, challenging Eurostar's monopoly.
- The deal is valued at €2 billion, with trains expected by 2029.
- Other companies, including Virgin Trains and Evolyn, are also preparing to launch competing services.
- Regulators have reduced track access charges to encourage new operators.
- Channel Tunnel operator Getlink plans to increase capacity at London St Pancras station.
Italy's state-owned railway company, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS Group), has announced a significant €2 billion order for 19 new high-speed trains from Hitachi Rail. These trains are slated to serve a new London-Paris route, marking a direct challenge to Eurostar's long-standing monopoly on cross-Channel rail services. The new fleet is expected to be operational by 2029, with the first trains joining FS Group's subsidiary Trenitalia France's existing services on routes including Paris to Lyon, Marseille, and Milan.
The deal is seen as a crucial step in diversifying services through the Channel Tunnel, which currently operates at about 50% capacity. Customer advocacy groups are hopeful that increased competition will lead to lower ticket prices, improved service quality, and the reopening of stations like Ashford International. Alongside the train order, an €80 million maintenance facility is planned for Maisons-Alfort Pompadour, near Paris, to support Trenitalia's operations.
FS Group CEO Gianpiero Strisciuglio stated the contract strengthens their presence in France and supports the development of efficient, sustainable, and competitive high-speed services, aligning with the 'European Metro' concept of an integrated high-speed network. Hitachi Rail CEO Giuseppe Marino highlighted the deal's focus on sustainability, operational efficiency, and cross-border interoperability.
Several companies are vying for access to the HS1 high-speed line, including Virgin Trains and Spanish start-up Evolyn, also in partnership with FS Italiane Group. Gemini Trains has also applied for a licence. The UK's Office for Rail and Road (ORR) has encouraged competition by mandating HS1 to reduce track access charges. Getlink, the Channel Tunnel operator, is working with London St Pancras Highspeed to triple capacity at the station, anticipating a doubling of traffic over the next decade. While new entrants anticipate lower fares and more destinations, potential hurdles include regulatory approvals and disputes over access to UK rail maintenance depots, though the ORR has dismissed Eurostar's claims of full capacity at the depot.