05/08/2003 - Eurostar to welcome guide dogs for the first time on its services.

Eurostar will be welcoming guide dogs on board its fast passenger services from London to Paris, Brussels and Lille, for the first time during the autumn.  Previously, blind and partially sighted owners where unable to take them on-board as the carriage of all animals was banned.  However, Eurostar has provided a special companion fare for registered blind and partially sighted people since services started in November 1994.

Over the past few months Eurostar staff have been training with The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, and working closely with DEFRA, to put in place the procedures and facilities required to enable this new customer initiative to operate efficiently and effectively.  

Guide dogs will travel on Eurostar free of charge.

Guide Dogs Head of Communications, Robin Hutchinson, explained:

"We are delighted that Eurostar is committed to the guide dog partnership ensuring that blind and partially sighted people can maximise the independence achieved through their guide dog.  Guide dogs offer vision impaired owners freedom and mobility, ensuring confidence from owners when using train services.

"Guide dogs are well behaved and discreet.  The grooming regime puts considerable emphasis on hygiene, therefore, as far as other passengers are concerned they should hardly notice their presence."

Eurostar's Director of Communications, Paul Charles commented: