Evolyn, a rail operator led by the Spanish Cosmen family, and Ferrovie dello Stato have announced a strategic alliance to launch a new high-speed train service between London and Paris via the Eurotunnel. This initiative aims to break Eurostar’s monopoly, which has been the exclusive operator of this route for three decades.
With an estimated investment of 1.1 billion euros, the company promises to offer a modern and sustainable alternative for the more than 20 million passengers who cross the English Channel every year.
Evolyn will bring the mobility expertise of the Cosmen family, backed by British and French industrial and financial partners. Ferrovie dello Stato, which has become a shareholder in Evolyn, will contribute its leadership in high-speed and logistics in Europe.
Although the new operator had intended to start competing in 2025, the date will be delayed. Evolyn has confirmed to Rail News Vista that they want to begin operations as soon as possible, but they have not even decided on the train manufacturer yet.
Initially, the operator spoke of negotiating (and later purchasing, although the manufacturer denied this later) with Alstom to acquire 12 trains of the Avelia family.
Will the alliance with FS be another triumph for Hitachi and its ETR 1000?