A new train operating company, Gemini, has been established to provide competitive fares and frequent high-speed rail services between the UK and continental Europe.
The company plans to initially operate routes between London, Paris, and Brussels, with additional destinations under development.
Chaired by industry veteran Lord Tony Berkeley, Gemini aims to introduce independently run open access services to the Channel Tunnel route. The company is assembling a team of rail executives and industry experts with experience in operations, finance, ticketing, and regulation, alongside specialists in French and European rail markets.
Gemini plans to operate a fleet of new high-speed trains, combining modern technology with a fresh approach to sales and ticketing. The company is engaging with key industry stakeholders, including infrastructure managers, station operators, and existing train companies such as Eurostar. Discussions are also ongoing with government regulators across multiple European jurisdictions.
Chair Lord Berkeley 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.
The EU has been supporting the introduction of independent open access operators across Europe, with similar models already in place in France, Italy, Spain and the UK. These operators have increased competition, leading to improved choice and value for passengers, as well as encouraging modal shift from road and air to rail.
The Channel Tunnel route has been identified as an opportunity for further competition, given the forecasted growth in passenger demand.
CEO 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.
As part of its preparations, Gemini has applied to the UK’s Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for access to Eurostar’s Temple Mills International maintenance depot. The company is also exploring alternative maintenance facilities with other stakeholders.
