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150mph trial run for 'bullet' trains
03.10.07
London's commuter train of the future reached 150mph on its inaugural test run.
The six-carriage, £8.6 million "bullet" trains came close to the speed of a Eurostar during trials on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.
Once in use the Javelin fleet will regularly travel at up to 140mph, running between Eurostar trains on the route from St Pancras to Ashford.
Journeys between Folkestone and London will be cut by 35 minutes to 63 minutes.
Tickets will cost up to 30 per cent more than conventional trains.
Reader views (3)
Plenty of people would pay 30% extra if it was for a service that was 50%-100% more reliable, as well as comfortable.
I pay 50% more for a first class ticket so that my chances of getting a seat are greater, and for a wider, reclining seat without having to put up with the screams of people's children who don't know how to behave in public.
- Brian, Surrey
You could trade in your one mortgage in London for two in Folkestone and still have some change though. I used to live in Stoke Newington and it could take me an hour to get into central London.
- Pauly, Folkestone
Great news! Except that if you're a commuter you'll have to take out a second mortgage to afford a yearly travel pass.
- Headhunter, London
