The main highlights of this proposal published 27.09.2121 known as Green Speed are:
- The Thalys brand will eventually disappear in favour of the Eurostar brand/name
- The holding company is to be based in Brussels.
- SNCF will be the majority shareholder (55.75 per cent).
- The new operator expects to carry 30 million passengers by 2030.
See my interview with Alex McWhirter earlier this year https://traintraveloracle.com/tag/eurostar/
Eurostar operates between London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. Thalys’ core routes are from Paris to Amsterdam covering Brussels, Antwerp and Rotterdam. Also Paris to Dortmund via Liege and Cologne.
What does it mean for consumers ?
Easier ticketing, better connection possibilities with the possibility of an enlarged network. Also increased passenger rights and possibly better pricing.
On the downside, a huge rail monopoly will be created. This seems illogical considering bus and air travel are deregulated. Green Speed’s potential is enormous. Its network covers five countries with a total population of over 200 million. So little wonder that consumer bodies voice their opposition.
ALLRAIL https://www.allrail.eu/about-page/,An association representing independent rail operators sees it as anti-competitive. They claims the “proposed merger will harm consumers, reduce service quality and drive people away from rail”
However one must remember that, even if competition were allowed, it would not be easy to provide. Only specific Eurostar trains can use the Tunnel while Thalys’ TGVs have the capability of operating over the networks of several countries. In 2016 Eurostar scrapped 19 of its original Alstom trainsets thus preventing a potential competitor emerging. https://www.businesstraveller.com/rail-travel/2016/09/26/eurostar-scrap-trainsets/
The European Commission must first approve the merger. If it gives the go ahead, the new company is expected to start trading in 2023.
