Eurostar 'expects to maintain existing services and timetable' in spite of Brexit

Announcing its 2018 results on Tuesday (March 5), the rail operator said it would ensure “robust” plans are in place to counteract all Brexit scenarios.

However, Eurostar said while it was committed to expanding its London-Amsterdam service, it was dependant on negotiations over new border controls.

Carryings increased 7% year-on-year from 10.3 million to 11 million last year after the network was extended to the Dutch capital.

Sales revenues, meanwhile, increased 12% to £989 million, with Eurostar posting a preliminary operating profit of £96.6 million.

Business passengers increased 12% and US passengers 9%, both year-on-year, Eurostar added.

“Over the past 25 years, Eurostar has led the way in cross-Channel travel, cementing the links between the UK and mainland Europe,” said chief executive Mike Cooper.

“The popularity of our new service between London and Amsterdam shows the growing appetite among customers for international high-speed rail travel and a sustainable alternative to the airlines.”

On Brexit, a spokesperson added: “We expect to maintain services on the existing basis, timetable and terms and conditions following Brexit.

“We have been working extensively with our station partners, governments and control authorities on both sides of the Channel to ensure that robust plans are in place to protect services and to manage customer flows effectively in either a deal or no-deal scenario.”

The operator’s London-Amsterdam service has attracted more than 250,000 passengers since it was launched in April 2018.

Eurostar says it has put tickets on sale for a third daily service starting in June and is “committed to introducing additional services as soon as the governments have put border controls in place for the Amsterdam-London leg of the journey”.