DB plans test run in Channel Tunnel

Deutsche Bahn (DB), the German rail network operator, is planning a test run through the Channel Tunnel in October.

The operator will use one of its new ICE-3 trains for what the company's ceo says is a test for a possible through service to London.

Dr Rudiger Grube made the announcement at a recent DB press conference.

If the tests are successful, it is likely that DB will consider running direct services from St. Pancras International to both Cologne and Frankfurt.  

DB is able to start a service through the Channel Tunnel in addition to the current sole user Eurostar after the EU liberalised rail passenger services from January 1 this year.

Dr Andreas Hamprecht, DB's head of international business, told ABTN earlier this year that a London-Cologne service would take about four hours.

This was similar to existing continental rail services which had won up to 30% of the market.

www.bahn.de   www.eurostar.com   www.eurotunnel.com