Eurostar brings back Brussels-Ashford direct trains
Written: 6th August, 2008
High speed train operator Eurostar is reinstating direct Ashford International to Brussels trains from 14 December, the date of the international timetable change. Journeys from Kent to Belgium will be made possible with the introduction of an eleventh daily London to Brussels Eurostar return service and will deliver an additional 7,500 seats on the route each week. Eurostar was criticised when it withdrew Ashford to Brussels trains last November with the launch of the High Speed 1 service from the newly opened St Pancras International station. However, the train operator says fast growing demand from travellers justifies the introduction of the extra service. Simon Montague, director of communications, Eurostar, said: “We are delighted at the very strong increase in traveller numbers on the London-Brussels route. The eleventh daily London-Brussels service will give travellers more options when planning a trip to the Belgian capital or a connecting journey to a destination elsewhere in Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany." National rail watchdog Passenger Focus has welcomed the decision to restore Ashford's direct train link to Belgium. Tunde Olatunji, Passenger Focus manager, said the outcome was the result of intensive community lobbying for it to be reinstated. “This is absolutely the right decision for the loyal customers who have been using Ashford International and supporting Eurostar for well over 10 years." * St Pancras International station now has free, wireless internet access throughout the station, according to technology provider Cityspace. Covering approximately two square kilometres, the project sees two floors of the £800m redeveloped St Pancras International flooded with WiFi, enabling the 45m passengers and visitors expected to travel through the station each year to access travel and information services on mobile devices. “St Pancras International is leading the way in creating a new experience in rail travel for the 21st Century,” said Cityspace stations marketing manager, Dominique Didinal. "With the launch of our new free WiFi service, the entire customer experience is underpinned by superior technology and service excellence. St Pancras International really is the perfect place to meet, browse, refuel and now - go online.” Cityspace will manage the network, which will support staff and operational functions within the station by this autumn.
Source Transport Briefing