DfT in discussions over feasibility of direct rail service to Switzerland

The Department for Transport is examining the merits of a direct rail connection between the UK and Switzerland.

Speaking in the House of Lords on February 25, Rail Minister Lord Hendy was asked about new direct journeys from London into Europe.

He replied that his department was “working as hard as it can to increase the number of European destinations accessible through Eurotunnel”.

DfT confirmed to RAIL that officials in the UK and Switzerland have been discussing a potential direct rail service and exploring the feasibility of this, with a Memorandum of Understanding set to be signed later this year. This would then be followed up by a working group examining the barriers to establishing such a service.

It comes as London St Pancras Highspeed (formerly HS1 Ltd) and Eurotunnel signed a similar agreement to expand rail connectivity either side of the Channel Tunnel.

This involves exploring ways to shorten journey times, improve timetable co-ordination, and align more closely on growth strategies, as well as working together to introduce more trains each hour for international services in each direction.

Yann Leriche, CEO of Getlink (owner of Eurotunnel), said: “We are keen to drive forward attractive opportunities for low- carbon mobility with a range of new destinations in Germany, Switzerland and France. This partnership with London St Pancras Highspeed is an essential catalyst for accelerating this growth momentum.”