Released on: October 3, 2007, 4:06 pm

Press Release Author: Michael Gleason, TrainTraveling.com

Industry:

Press Release Summary: Eurostar passengers are due for a service upgrade this
November. That\'s when the famous English Channel Tunnel train starts moving at a
faster clip.

Press Release Body: Eurostar passengers are due for a service upgrade this November.
That\'s when the famous English Channel Tunnel train starts moving at a faster clip.
Introduction of the UK\'s first true high-speed line has been much anticipated. It
promises a greener, more convenient travel experience... along with shorter trip
times between Southeast England and Europe.

It has been over a dozen years since Eurostar initiated direct passenger rail
linking London with Brussels and Paris. In that time, the train has become the
preferred choice for crossing between Britain and the Continent -- more popular than
either channel ferries or travel by air. Now, with new high-speed track between
London and the coast cutting at least 20 minutes off travel times, the under-sea
shuttle promises to be more popular than ever.

The skinny on the project is High Speed 1 (HS1), a 68-mi/109-km fast track formerly
called the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. Over a decade in the making, the line will
enable Eurostar to sustain speeds of up to 186-mph/300-km/h. In practical terms that
means London to Paris Gare du Nord in two-and-a-quarter hours; Brussels and other
points in even less. Also, for the first time, early morning trains will enable UK
business travelers to reach Paris, Brussels or Lille in time to do a full day\'s
work.

At the head of the line, Eurostar will trade its Waterloo terminus near London\'s
South Bank for the brilliantly restored St. Pancras Station in King\'s Cross. St.
Pancras, together with neighboring King\'s Cross and Euston Stations, will form a
transport nexus befitting 21c London. Beginning in November, high-speed Eurostar
trains will converge with six Underground (Tube) lines and trains from Edinburgh,
Newcastle, Brighton and the east coast.

HS1 promises to be a boon for south-east suburban passengers looking to avoid the
nasty slog into London.

The new station at Ebbsfleet, scheduled to open within days of November\'s HS1
kickoff, will incorporate a long-term car park and will be served by high-frequency
shuttles to local railway stations and to the nearby Bluewater shopping centre. A
second station at Stratford is due to come on line in time for the 2012 Olympics,
while the existing station at Ashford will continue to serve international
passengers.

High-speed service from London is not limited to Paris and Brussels. Depending upon
one\'s departure point, a day in Calais -- with its bargain shopping and authentic
bistros -- is an hour\'s journey or less. Minutes away are Lille -- a historic
urbanity with a young and cosmopolitan flavor -- and Disneyland Resort Paris.
Seasonal runs hit the Alpine slopes in winter and escape to sunny Provence in
summer.

The Eurostar experience begins at the station. Long delays associated with air
travel are replaced by fast, secure check-in procedures. Departure lounges offer a
range of airport-style services and amenities. Once onboard, customized coaches
cater to the separate needs of executive and pleasure travelers and all coaches
benefit from spacious layouts and comfortable seating. Service levels range from
economy-fare travel to a variety of first class options.

Speed, convenience and comfort are just part of the overall Eurostar experience. An
independent study has shown that air passengers generate ten times greater
greenhouse gas emissions than travelers who choose high-speed rail. And, thanks to
HS1, Eurostar is committed to achieving \"carbon neutrality\" by reducing carbon
dioxide emmissions by 25% by 2012.

Eurostar HS1 service commences Wednesday, 14 November 2007, but first day tickets
are sold out so if you haven\'t already booked your travel you\'ll need to adjust your
plans (trains will continue to serve Waterloo through 13 November). For complete
travel details, and to book Eurostar travel online, visit:
http://www.traintraveling.com/eurostar

Web Site: http://www.traintraveling.com

Contact Details: Michael Gleason publishes TrainTraveling.com (
http://traintraveling.com ), a passenger rail travel guide for commuters and
tourists in Europe, North America and worldwide.