Train beats air in market share, punctuality and service improvements
North American sales of Eurostar train tickets by Rail Europe increases 24% 2003-2004; punctuality improves; wi-fi service in terminals launched
White Plains, NY, 2/2/05 - North American sales by Rail Europe of tickets for the Eurostar high-speed train connecting London with Paris and Brussels grew 24% from 2003 to 2004. Rail Europe is the official representative of Eurostar sales in North America. Eurostar celebrated its 10th year of service in November 2004.
Market share growth
Eurostar’s share of the combined rail/air market between both London-Paris and London-Brussels also increased last year, from 64.9% in 2003 to 67.99% for London-Paris, from 50.52% to 63.34% London-Brussels. The total number of passengers carried by Eurostar in 2004 was 7.27 million, a 15% increase over 2003.
On-time performance and more services
The train’s punctuality - defined as percentage of trains arriving within 15 minutes of schedule -- in 2004 was 89.2%, up 10.9% over 2003. In one week in January of this year, Eurostar’s punctuality rose to an historic 97.58% -- with 100% on-time arrivals on three days. Civil Aviation Authority data shows average punctuality for the airlines operating on these routes was 63% in October 2004.
Service improvements - Wi-Fi and refurbished interiors
And while short-haul airlines are cutting costs by cutting service, Eurostar continues to invest in service improvements. Wi-fi internet access is now available to all passengers in the departure lounges in Paris Gare du Nord terminal and in London Waterloo and Ashford terminals. It will soon be launched in Brussels Midi station and will be trialed on board the trains themselves later this year. Eurostar is also refurbishing all the train interiors, including providing power sockets for laptops and cell phones.
Frequent service, low fares
The train takes just 2 hours 35 minutes (London-Paris) and 2 hours 15 minutes (London-Brussels) on the fastest schedules (fewest stops.) Service is frequent, with up to 16 daily departures in either direction (London-Paris) and nine (London-Brussels.)
The lowest fares start at $90 US/$118 CAN roundtrip (standard class) for a limited number of seats on each train.
For more information or to book a ticket on Eurostar, contact a travel agent or Rail Europe at 1-800-EUROSTAR (1-800-387-6727) in the U.S/Canada or log on to www.raileurope.com or www.raileurope.ca .
Photos: members of the press may download high-res photos of Eurostar and other European trains at www.raileurope.com/presspix
