The planned merger of Eurostar and Thalys should happen in 2021 if plans are agreed by shareholders.
Eurostar Chief Executive Mike Copper, speaking in Paris on November 14 to mark the 25th anniversary of the cross-Channel operator, participated in a meeting the following day in the French capital to look at what the offer would be should the two operators join forces, and what the combined network could look like.
The Green Speed project was announced in late-September and would combine the resources of the two companies that serve Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Together they run 112 trains daily and carry more than 18.5 million passengers per year. That could rise to 30m under the plans.
Cooper said: “There are hidden benefits in joining with Thalys, while there’s rolling stock synergies in terms of whether we can use the e320s on their network. We need to assess the market.”
He said more details would be announced in March or April next year once more research and investigations had been carried out.
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For the FULL story, read RAIL 893, published on December 4, and available digitally on Android, iPad and Kindle from November 30.
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A full in-depth feature on the 25th anniversary of Eurostar, as well as its future, will be published in RAIL 893, on the shelves from December 4, and available digitally on Android, iPad and Kindle from November 30.
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Güntürk Üstün - 16/11/2021 14:12
With the disturbing, underhanded and nebulous threat of COVID-19 still present in our daily lives and without the final approval of the European Commission, naturally nothing can be sure and certain in this very sensitive railway issue! Dr. Güntürk Üstün
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Güntürk Üstün - 16/11/2021 14:20
What does the proposed Eurostar and Thalys merger mean for consumers? Easier ticketing, more connection possibilities with the likelihood of an expanded network, increased passenger rights and better pricing (in some cases). On the other hand, a huge rail monopoly will be created. This seems implausible given that bus and plane travel is deregulated. If brought to life, such a merged rail network will span five countries with a total population of over 200 million. So it's no wonder that consumer-oriented people are voicing their opposition! Dr. Güntürk Üstün
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