Italian Train Operator Makes Bid to Rival Eurostar

Another competitor has entered the race to run services through the Channel Tunnel.

FS Italiane – Italy’s state-owned rail operator – has made a €1bn bid to run trains, competing with Eurostar. The French-controlled company had had a monopoly on services since 1994; but the UK rail regulator, the Office for Rail and Road (ORR), has now ruled that other companies can bid to compete. 

There are now three companies vying for the route. FS Italiane has joined forces with high-speed transport group, Evolyn – a newcomer to the business. Richard Branson’s Virgin Trains has also expressed interest as has Gemini Trains. 

According to The Telegraph newspaper, it will be the ORR which makes the final decision on which other operator will be able to run trains. It has met with resistance from Eurostar, which claims that the depot is already full and so there is no room for more trains. 

There has also been criticism of FS Italiane, which already operates a train line in the West Coast of the UK. The line has been so problematic that it was named the country’s worst last year because of the constant delays. 

Despite this, FS Italiane is confident of success and has promised the competition will bring better prices for customers. Stefano Antonio Donnarumma, the company’s chief executive, told the press: “More competition will help to create a more efficient and customer-oriented industry, offering a real alternative to air travel.”