For three decades, Eurostar has been the only company operating passenger trains in the Channel Tunnel.
But in recent months, competition has emerged for the cross-continent route, with six companies now scrambling to offer their own rail services to Paris and beyond.
Players include Italian state-owned FS Italiane Group, Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group and London St Pancras High Speed (which recently rebranded from HS1).
And now, another name has entered the ring, and it’s one you might be familiar with: Uber.
The ride-sharing company has signed a partnership with Gemini Trains to co-brand cross-channel rail services.
Back in March, Gemini Trains, a new train operating company, unveiled their own plans to connect London St Pancras with Paris and Brussels.
The firm, chaired by Labour peer Lord Berkeley, said it planned to offer seats at prices that would rival Eurostar.
Gemini is proposing to purchase 10 newly designed trains, and under a new agreement, Uber will co-brand the service.
The collaboration will be similar to that which Uber currently shares with Thames Clippers boats in London. In this instance, Uber brands the boats — with their logo emblazoned across the side — but it is operated by Thames Clipper.
Passengers will also be able to book cross-channel tickets through the Uber app.
While customers can already book tickets on the Uber app for Eurostar services, this would be the first time they could book and make the journey on an Uber-branded train.
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After launching as a ride-sharing app over 15 years ago in 2009, Uber began offering further travel options in the UK in 2023, with users able to book inter-city trains, coaches, Lime bikes, nationwide car rentals and even flights via the app.
Andrew Brem, general manager at Uber UK said: ‘We’ve seen amazing momentum since we began launching new modes of transport in the UK, and this collaboration with Gemini Trains is our latest step in how we’re helping people get where they want to go.
‘We’re excited about the opportunity to bring our brand to the iconic Channel Tunnel journey.’
And Adrian Quine, CEO of Gemini says: ‘Innovation and value are at the very heart of what we do so it’s really exciting to be teaming up with Uber, an instantly recognisable global brand which has revolutionised the travel industry.
‘Now passengers will be able to enjoy the same value and comfort
on brand new “cutting edge” trains at the touch of a button.’
Gemini Trains’ say their initial cross-channel route will be from London Stratford International to Paris Gare du Nord and Brussels Midi, all calling at Ebbsfleet International.
The aim is to then extend its services even further afield.
In a statement, Gemini Trains added that ‘further details regarding the service launch, routes, and final branding will be announced in due course.’
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