Eurostar launches new timetable

October 2, 2008

Following the fire in the Channel Tunnel on 11 September, Eurostar launched ticket sales on an amended timetable yesterday.

The high-speed train operator linking the UK and mainland Europe will now operate nine trains on weekdays between London and Brussels and 16 trains on weekdays between London and Paris. Before the incident, which has caused partial closure of one of the tunnels, Eurostar ran one more service on each route per day.

On average journeys are taking 20 minutes longer than usual but Eurostar has been achieving about 93% punctuality since the fire. Eurotunnel, the Channel Tunnel operator, is not expected to be able to restore full access to both tunnels until the second half of 2009.

Travellers are advised to check in as early as possible - ahead of minimum check-in times - to aid Eurostar staff and to help them catch their trains.

The Chunnel incident in September was caused by a fire which broke out on a freight train about seven miles from Calais. Yesterday, Eurotunnel removed the first third of the Truck Shuttle damaged in the incident for further investigation.

Written by: Maxine Clarke

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