Eurostar named worst train operator in Europe
- Transport & Environment ranked Eurostar as the worst train operator in Europe based on various service factors.
- Eurostar scored low in ticket pricing and reliability, while ranked operators like Trenitalia and SBB performed well.
- The findings indicate the need for Eurostar to improve its services and pricing structure to enhance customer satisfaction.
In a recent study by the European campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E), Eurostar has been identified as the lowest ranked among 27 train operators across Europe. The analysis evaluated operators based on eight categories, including ticket pricing, reliability, and booking experience, collecting data from public sources such as annual reports. Eurostar's high ticket prices, alongside its reliability issues, were significant contributing factors to its poor performance. The study revealed that while Eurostar had an average score in booking and compensation, its lack of affordability and reliability significantly lowered its overall rank. The report demonstrated that other operators like Trenitalia, Switzerland's SBB, and Czech operator RegioJet offer superior services, scoring highly in the evaluated categories. Meanwhile, Eurostar, alongside French Ouigo and Greece’s Hellenic Trains, ranked among the lowest. T&E highlighted that Eurostar's ticket prices are about twice as high as the European average, with international competitor RegioJet charging five times less. T&E's analysis concluded that the high ticket prices of Eurostar do not correlate with high service quality. The findings posed a challenge for Eurostar, as the report indicated the necessity for significant improvements in fare affordability and reliable services. Suggestions for improvement included introducing more affordable ticket options, enhancing compensation policies, accommodating bicycles on trains, and operating night services. In response to the findings, Eurostar expressed surprise and disagreed with the conclusions. They noted a record number of passengers in 2024 and plan to continue investing in their services. The company also mentioned efforts to improve its booking experience and accommodate bicycle users, disputing some claims from the report. Eurostar maintains its commitment to high-speed international travel despite the criticisms raised, indicating a focus on enhancing customer experience.