Ashford-Calais-Lille Service?

[anthony263]

I have just read this online:

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/news/2011/october/11/channel_metro.aspx

A cross-Channel "metro" line linking Ashford, Calais and Lille could be a step closer after Eurotunnel said it would offer cash incentives to launch the service.
Jacques Gounon, the company's chief executive, believes a regular service between Kent and Nord Pas de Calais would provide a welcome economic boost, helping people commute to work on either side of the Channel.
He said train operators could be offered at least 10% off the Channel Tunnel's normal access charges for up to two years.
"We cannot understand why such a connection doesn't already exist," Mr Gounon said at the Transmanche Jobs Fair in Frethun, Calais.
"I'm willing to make some discounts if tolls are an issue because I believe we must take the lead. I'm very disappointed because I've done my best and I'm ready to do more."
Options could include extending the existing Javelin service through the tunnel or using available Eurostar trains. Both would be able to run through the tunnel without technical modification.
Although unlikely to make a profit from the start, public subsidy would be needed to kick-start the project.
Southeastern has been considering the project but has so far not made any decision. A consultants' study is due to be published in France next month.

Opinions?

 

[Mutant Lemming]

I have just read this online:

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonline/news/2011/october/11/channel_metro.aspx

Opinions?

When there used to be a local bus service from Ashford to Calais through the tunnel it was very poorly publicised - it was almost like the tunnel didn't want it to suceed (there was a through rail/bus fare from London for £19 that you had to dig hard to find).

Maybe they should see if BAA (or whoever it is now) will chip in towards it in exchange for through trains from Pas de Nord Region to Gatwick.

 

[Twoonthebuzzer]

Is there really the paths through the tunnel though?

A eurostar every 30mins ( on average ), eurotunnel trains and freight, the tunnel must be near capacity as it is!

Surely jut add Ashford and Calais on the Brussel eurostar trains as a trial would make more sense first!

 

[YorkshireBear]

Is there really the paths through the tunnel though?

A eurostar every 30mins ( on average ), eurotunnel trains and freight, the tunnel must be near capacity as it is!

Surely jut add Ashford and Calais on the Brussel eurostar trains as a trial would make more sense first!

I could be wrong here. But with all trains limited to 60mph(?) all types of trains can achieve that and therefore its capcity is much higher than your averag line in the UK. Think of thameslink or crossrail.

 

[HSTEd]

I could be wrong here. But with all trains limited to 60mph(?) all types of trains can achieve that and therefore its capcity is much higher than your averag line in the UK. Think of thameslink or crossrail.

I believe they are limited to 100mph, which is why Eurotunnel Class 9s have to be so ridiculously overpowered. But still you make a good point, with proper flighting it could be made to work.

 

[Nym]

Maybe they should see if BAA (or whoever it is now) will chip in towards it in exchange for through trains from Pas de Nord Region to Gatwick.

GIP Global Infrastructure Partners.

And thats a new idea, could work. But it would be slllooowwww....

 

[BRX]

It would be really good to have a way of crossing the channel one way, cheaply, and at short notice. Especially now the rail/sail tickets have been cut back and require a bus connection at Dover.

 

[tripleseis]

Hopefully they will do this.

While they're at, I really think SNCF and SNCB/NMBS should consider reinstating the rail link between Dunkerque and De Panne. Most of the line is still in situ and just needs some overgrowth removed. It would offer a great connecting service to Calais where it could connect with the proposed Transmanche Metro service. The station in De Panne is connected to the Kusttram (for onward travel to the seaside towns), so any rail travellers wishing to go to the Belgian coast won't have to bother travelling all the way to Lille to change trains.

 

[tbtc]

Sounds a really good idea - no reason why all cross-chanel trains need to be aimed at the London - Paris (or Brussels) market.

At the moment the rail offering through the tunnel (as opposed to the "Shuttle" which is aimed at the motorist) is going for the business/ rich market. Why not have another service that gives people in Kent an affordable service to towns in France that are fairly close?

 

[Greenback]

I agree. There should be a good market for an affordable metro type service between Ashford and Lille.

 

[blackettstreet]

before they get onto all this, can i ask - forgive me if this is a stupid question - but what happened to the plans to run eurostars to manchester and glasgow?

 

[Morgsie]

Got a question regarding this.

What about border controls etc?

Reason why I asked is that the UK is not part of the Shengen Agreement.

 

[Greenback]

Presumably such things are already in place at Ashford, Calais and Lille?

 

[Capybara]

Potentially a great idea, especially if they can offer cheap and, dare I say it, pay on the day fares. I've often thought of trying to cross France using 'ordinary' trains and I don't really want to go as far as Lille where you are mainly restricted to TGVs or trains into Belgium. Good for a nice day out into NW France as well if you live down south. I'd use it on that basis.

 

[BRX]

Potentially a great idea, especially if they can offer cheap and, dare I say it, pay on the day fares. I've often thought of trying to cross France using 'ordinary' trains and I don't really want to go as far as Lille where you are mainly restricted to TGVs or trains into Belgium. Good for a nice day out into NW France as well if you live down south. I'd use it on that basis.

Yeah, same here.

Would be good for interrail trips too - just get as far as Calais then start using the pass, rather than having to pay £s to Eurostar just to cross the Channel (and book way in advance).

 

[HSTEd]

before they get onto all this, can i ask - forgive me if this is a stupid question - but what happened to the plans to run eurostars to manchester and glasgow?

Stelios Haji-Ioannou happened

 

[Capybara]

Yeah, same here.

Would be good for interrail trips too - just get as far as Calais then start using the pass, rather than having to pay £s to Eurostar just to cross the Channel (and book way in advance).

Precisely my thoughts. I've Interrailed each of the last three years and when you are off on a go-as-you-please adventure it can be a bit of a faff having to book ages in advance to avoid having to pay almost as much as the Interrail ticket itself just to get you to and from where you can use the thing. Dump me cheaply in Calais and take it from there.