Though a relatively common sight in Europe, double-decker trains have been almost non-existent in the United Kingdom, until now. But double decker rail services could make a future UK arrival, according to various reports about potential new trains for Eurostar and Virgin Group.
Which firms are considering double-deckers?
An insider at International rail firm Eurostar has revealed to The Independent that double-deckers could become a reality on Channel Tunnel rail services, depending on the supplier of a planned new fleet.
No details on the shortlist of manufacturers have been provided but Alstom, the world’s second biggest train maker, is reportedly “in discussion with a number of operators regarding new rolling stock.” The French multinational builds the only high-speed double-decker in the world.
Meanwhile The Telegraph reports that Virgin Group, which has is set to announce the launch of Channel Tunnel operations “very soon,” is also rumoured to be looking at placing an order for double-decker rolling stock for its services.
#OnThisDay in 1949: A new double-decker train, SR Class 4DD, was introduced at London Charing Cross, aimed at alleviating the overcrowded commute. pic.twitter.com/MAPPV7gcGO
— BBC Archive (@BBCArchive) November 4, 2022
Who will supply the trains?
Restrictive loading gauge in the UK has traditionally limited the maximum height and width of trains, meaning double-decker trains haven’t been widely adopted. Nonetheless, Alstom’s recently resigned CEO, Henri Poupart-Lafarge, has said that its Avelia Horizon double-decker model would have no problem traversing the Channel Tunnel. Speaking to the Financial Times, Lafarge said “The double-decker train has a lot of advantages,” describing it as “a very high-speed train with the lowest cost per seat and the highest capacity.”
That potential capacity could swing the decision for Virgin, which has talked up its ambitions to boost capacity significantly on the intercontinental line. Virgin’s game, a spokesperson said Richard Branson’s rail arm said, entails searching for “the best trains to meet our cross-Channel rail ambitions”.
How soon could it happen?
However, lovers of rail travel should not expect to see double-decker trains on the UK’s lines immediately. A number of factors that could delay their introduction are already known, including a potentially years-long formal approval process, the necessary regulator authorisations and proofs of safely compliance.
What’s more, Alstom is dealing with an order bottleneck amid limited manufacturing capacity, which a spokesperson said was likely to result in a “first come, first served” approach to fulfillment. That context could influence any would-be orders both ways, leading to a race to put in an early request for trains, or a decision against Alstom as a supplier.
