Returning international rail services to Kent: joint report with Enroute published
Returning international rail services to Kent has been our priority since we first launched the petition in March 2023. Bring Back Euro Trains is proud to announce the publication of the report bearing that name, Returning international rail services to Kent (pdf download), produced jointly with the sustainable transport campaign group Enroute.
By merging Enroute’s technical expertise with BBET’s data analysis, this landmark report makes the case that Kent’s purpose-built international stations are needed to drive economic growth and sustainability across the whole south east region. It also demonstrates how a properly integrated international rail transport network would help the UK meet its sustainability goals.
The report examines the consequences of the withdrawal of Eurostar services from the two Kent stations, Ebbsfleet International and Ashford International, in terms of lost revenue, increased travel costs and wasted infrastructure. According to the report’s recommendations, returning international services to Kent should be viewed in the context of a wider framework of sustainable international transport for the whole of the UK.
Harry Burr, Joint Chief Executive of Enroute, said: “With High Speed 1 and the Channel Tunnel running far below capacity, reinstating these connections is not only feasible but critical for regional economic recovery, international business ties, and achieving sustainable transport objectives.”
Contributing Editor Diccon Spain said: “Together with colleagues at Enroute … we’ve built a comprehensive understanding of both the challenges and opportunities. Working collaboratively, and drawing together perspectives and insights across organisational boundaries has put us in a unique position that has allowed us to uncover and identify pragmatic and practical ways of moving things forward.”
BBET Interim Chair Alex Bienfait said: “The partnership between Bring Back Euro Trains and Enroute marks an important step in advancing this cause.”
Within hours of its release, the report had already been picked up by City Am and Business Live.
Category: BBET Campaign
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