The CEO of Eurostar stated that the number of passengers on its trains between London. And Paris had decreased by 30 percent.
Gwendoline Cazenave, the chief executive, stated there were “bottlenecks” in stations as a result of post-Brexit border inspections and existing staffing numbers.
Currently, Eurostar operates 14 daily services between London and Paris; in 2019, this number will increase to 18.
Ms. Cazenave stated that the corporation may not reinstate several services discontinued last year as a result of the issues.
“As a result of station bottlenecks, we are unable to provide the same level of transportation service as we did in 2019,” she explained.
We have a significant problem in Eurostar terminals due to the new boarding conditions between the UK and EU, the impact of Covid, and the station personnel.
Ms. Cazenave also stated that Eurostar and both French and British authorities were working diligently on solutions. Such as increasing the number of border personnel.
The previous year, Eurostar announced that it would discontinue direct service between London and Disneyland Paris. Also services calling at Ebbsfleet and Ashford International stations.
It cited reasons such as financial difficulties due to pandemic-related losses and post-Brexit border checks. Which necessitated more time to stamp the passports of British passengers.
Eurostar trains carry about a third fewer people than before
Ms. Cazenave responded, “We’ll see, it depends on how we handle the major stations’ problems.”
She stated that the company’s “goal” was to “serve as a backbone between major cities” like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels.
“These are the major cities, these are the major markets… for which we are working. Which I would say is our primary responsibility,” she explained.
Currently, British travelers to the EU must have their passports stamped when crossing the border, causing delays.
Entry/Exit System, or EES, will replace the checks, but the technology has been repeatedly delayed and will not be implemented until the end of 2023.
Concerns have been raised, however, that initial registration for the system could cause delays to Eurostar services and queues at the Port of Dover, as people entering the bloc from non-EU countries, such as the United Kingdom, will be required to register fingerprints and a photo with their passport information.
Once travelers have provided fingerprints and personal information, their registration will be valid for three years. During this time, the passport must be validated each time a traveler crosses the border.
Ms. Cazenave told that Eurostar was “pushing” for the system to be entirely digital so that customers could register their information at home before travel and have a “good customer experience.”
She stated, “We are aware that this is a significant issue and a formidable obstacle.”
The head of Eurostar stated that the system could continue to function without “digitization”. But that it would require “considerable investment, planning, and personnel.
Tuesday, Eurostar unveiled its new brand, which resulted from the merger of Thalys and Eurostar, and stated that it hopes to transport 30 million passengers annually by 2030.
