Eurostar fares may drop as HS1 access charges cut
- The Office of Rail and Road has proposed a 7.7% reduction in access charges for Eurostar and a 10.8% reduction for Southeastern services on the High Speed 1 line.
- Freight charges are set to decrease by 66%, reflecting a broader effort to improve efficiency and reduce costs for all operators.
- These changes aim to benefit passengers and support the growing demand for Eurostar services following the end of COVID travel restrictions.
In the UK, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has proposed significant reductions in access charges for train operators using the High Speed 1 (HS1) line, which connects London to the Channel Tunnel. This proposal, stemming from a review of HS1's spending plans, suggests a 7.7% cut for Eurostar and a 10.8% cut for Southeastern services over the next five years starting in April 2025. Additionally, freight charges are set to decrease by an impressive 66%. The ORR's findings indicate that while HS1 has produced quality plans, there are opportunities for further efficiency that could benefit both passenger and freight services. Demand for Eurostar services has surged since the lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions, despite fare increases, highlighting the importance of maintaining competitive pricing. HS1, owned by private investors, plays a crucial role in the UK economy by facilitating travel to major European cities such as Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The ORR's proposals aim to ensure that HS1 remains a resilient and high-performing network, ultimately leading to lower costs for operators and savings for passengers. HS1 Ltd has expressed support for the ORR's plan, emphasizing their commitment to reducing charges and improving service performance through innovative technologies and partnerships.