Savings for Passengers as Train Firms Face Lower HS1 Fees
Passengers will enjoy reduced train fares thanks to lower fees for operators using the HS1 line, as announced by the regulator.
London, UK, HS1, Eurostar, Train Operators, Fares
London: Passengers are in for a treat! Train companies will be charged less to run services on the HS1 line, which means savings for everyone. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) just announced a 10.4% cut in fees for the next five years starting in April.
This line is super busy, with Eurostar trains heading to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, plus domestic services to Kent. Even freight trains use it to get to the Channel Tunnel. So, it’s a big deal!
After the pandemic, demand for Eurostar tickets has shot up, even with higher prices. But now, with these lower fees, there’s hope that operators will pass on the savings to passengers.
The ORR did a deep dive into HS1’s spending plans and found ways to cut costs. They want the company to manage its track and stations better, which should lead to lower charges for everyone.
Feras Alshaker from the ORR said their review will help reduce costs for both passenger and freight services starting in April 2025. HS1’s original plans were solid, but they need to tweak a few things to make it work for everyone.
HS1’s chief strategy officer, Mattias Bjornfors, is excited about the ORR’s approval. He believes these changes will help boost growth on the line. Their future plans include smart ideas to improve efficiency and cut costs even more.
They’re looking at things like track deterioration modeling to make better investment decisions. This could lead to even bigger discounts for international and domestic operators, which they hope will translate into better fares and services for passengers.
[rule_2]