Third open access firm announces plans to take on Eurostar on Channel Tunnel services

A third open access operator looking to take on Eurostar and run services through the Channel Tunnel.

Gemini Trains has applied to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for access to Eurostar’s Temple Mills International Depot (TMI).

Gemini has said it plans to initially run between London St Pancras and Paris/Brussels, but “further exciting destinated are currently being developed”, although no timescale has currently been put on its proposals.

The operator is chaired by Lord Berkeley. He said: “Our team has real strength, depth, vision and dynamism and is superbly placed to offer customers choice on what is currently a monopoly route”.

In a statement, Gemini promised it has “plans for brand new cutting-edge trains and a fresh approach to sales and ticketing”, and has “attracted a highly experienced team of rail executives and creative thinkers who are committed to bringing independently run ‘Open Access’ services to compete on cross channel routes for the benefit of international passengers”.

Its Chief Executive, Adrian Quine, said: “The high-speed line connecting London and the continent through the Channel Tunnel is one of the great rail routes. With a whole new generation now choosing trains over planes, there is a great opportunity to bring real entrepreneurial flair and dynamism with competitive fares to Europe's premier route".

Two other open access firms, Evolyn and Virgin, have also formally asked the regulator to use the east London depot. Eurostar has so far insisted TMI does not have capacity for a second operator, leading to ORR appointing an independent assessor to examine the site.

Their report is yet to be published.