News

Rail operator Eurostar has celebrated the first anniversary of its launch of high-speed services at Ebbsfleet International station in Kent.

The company began operating a 186mph connection to Brussels and Paris from the Kent station in November 2007 and the service has gone from strength to strength.

Associated developments over the past 12 months include the opening of a Eurostar shop at the nearby Bluewater shopping centre and a regional advertising campaign to promote the link between Ebbsfleet and Europe.

Around 90% of travellers at Ebbsfleet International now originate from regions in the south-east, including Essex, Greater London, Surrey, East Sussex and West Sussex.

Simon Montague, Eurostar's director of communications, said: 'We've faced a tough challenge to put Ebbsfleet International on the map, and we're really pleased that the name is now becoming well-known.

'In many ways it is the same challenge that faced Eurostar when Ashford International first opened in 1996. We are committed to both our Kent stations, and the significant growth on the London-Brussels route has also enabled us to plan the reintroduction of a direct Ashford-Brussels service next year.'

Ashford International station has seen passenger numbers on its daily service to Disneyland in Paris increase by over 8% since the introduction of Eurostar's high-speed line.

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