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John Watts, Minister for Railways and Roads, today announced that the Government is to reserve capacity for eight domestic trains per hour in the peak direction on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL).
He also announced that the CTRL domestic services would be included in the South East Trains franchise which serves a wide range of destinations in Kent.
Negotiations with the two shortlisted bidders in the rail link competition will now be taken forward on the basis of the level of domestic capacity announced today.
Commenting on the decision, Mr Watts said:
"We have long stated that the new Rail Link should bring benefits for commuters in Kent, as well as for international travellers. These new domestic services could reduce journey times from Ashford and Gravesend by up to 30 minutes. Commuters will also benefit from less congestion, new rolling stock and new infrastructure."
Domestic services are expected to start as soon as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link opens. The exact specification for services will be decided by the Director of Passenger Rail Franchising, but services are planned run to the Channel Tunnel Rail Link from a range of destinations in Kent.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The Channel Tunnel rail link will be a 67 mile high-speed railway between London and the Channel Tunnel. The cost was estimated by Union Railways - the former BR subsidiary which has acted as the Government's project manager - at #2.7 billion. The Government will provide a substantial financial contribution in recognition of the domestic transport and regeneration benefits and also the very large benefits to international passengers. The final figure will be determined by the outcome of the competition to find a private sector promoter to design, build and through EPS operate international services on CTRL. The Government announced on the 3 July that two bidders - Eurorail and London and Continental - had been shortlisted (PN 198 refers).
2. Most of the route of the CTRL was announced on 24 January 1994 and safeguarded the following month. A further announcement was made covering two sections of the route - at Ashford and Pepper Hill, both in Kent - in April 1994. This finalised the route.
3. A Hybrid Bill authorising the construction, operation and maintenance of CTRL was introduced in Parliament in November 1994 and is currently being considered by a Select Committee of the House of Commons. Royal Assent is expected in summer 1996.
4. The Government will announce the winner of the rail link competition in the latter half of this year.
