HS1 told to reduce charges to train companies using line in bid to boost passengers

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Despite the potential for the lower costs to attract new operators, Eurostar said: “We welcome the ORR's decision to instruct HS1 to reduce track access charges on the Eurostar route. “This decision provides us with the financial headroom to make critical investments that will enhance the customer experience and ensure the long-term sustainability of high-speed rail connectivity between the UK and continental Europe.” Southeastern also said they welcome the ORR’s announcement, adding that “our priority continues to be to provide the most reliable service to customers while reducing the amount of taxpayer subsidy required to operate our railway." Feras Alshaker, the director of planning and performance at ORR, said: “Our thorough, independent review of HS1 Ltd’s spending plans has resulted in significantly lower costs for passenger and freight train operators using the high-speed line from April 2025. “We are now embarking on an exciting period of growth, both domestically and internationally, and further services on the HS1 route will lead to lower charges for operators and significant benefits to the UK economy.” Mr Bjornfors added that HS1 will now review the final determination in collaboration with National Rail “to ensure that the additional cost reductions proposed to operations and maintenance will enable us to continue operating the railway in a safe and resilient way”.