Eurostar sets new punctuality record

Eurostar, the high speed passenger train service which celebrates its 10th birthday in November, notched up its best punctuality performance in history last week.

97.3% of scheduled trains arrived on time or early between Monday 12th July and Sunday 18th July, including three days with 100% punctuality.

The record punctuality surpasses the figures set by competitor airlines on the London-Paris and London-Brussels routes, which average 77% according to the latest figures supplied by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Since the opening of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link in September last year, over 13,700 Eurostar trains have run. Eurostar's punctuality has improved sharply since the dedicated high-speed line opened.

Paul Charles, Director of Communications, commented: "Our customers are experiencing seamless city-centre to city-centre journeys without the worry of airport delays. This is a record that passengers and staff can be justly proud of."

Eurostar recently reported half-year results showing a 19% increase in passenger numbers in the first six months of 2004 - with 3.4 million passengers carried - compared with the same period last year.

Editor’s Notes:

1. Eurostar is the fast train service linking London, Ashford, Paris, Brussels, Lille, Avignon, Calais, Disneyland Resort Paris and the French Alps.

2. Eurostar services are up to 40 minutes faster for return journeys, as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link enables trains to run at speeds of up to 186mph (300 kmh).

3. Eurostar was named “World’s Leading Rail Service” in the 2003 World Travel Awards; “Best Rail Network” at the Business Travel World Awards 2004 and “Best Rail Operator” at the Travel Weekly Globe Awards 2004.

4. Eurostar and Eurotunnel are two different companies with two different management teams. Eurostar is Eurotunnel’s largest customer.

5. As part of its sponsorship of the Entente Cordiale centenary, Eurostar has introduced a school educational fare which applies to those aged 11-21 and in a minimum group size of ten people. The maximum group size is 99. The offer applies for travel on any day except Friday and Sunday. Travel is until 20th December 2004.

6. More information about Eurostar can be found at www.eurostar.com or by calling 08705 186 186.