Weather Tonight: 8°c Light showers Morning: 13°c Light showers

News

HEADLINES:
Top speed ahead: the new £8.6million bullet train is unveiled at Ashford
Top speed ahead: the new £8.6million bullet train is unveiled at Ashford
Top speed ahead: the new £8.6million bullet train is unveiled at Ashford More expensive: tickets will cost up to 30 per cent more than conventional trains

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)

 Add your view

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


Add your comment

 

Your email address will not be published

Terms and conditions make text area bigger You have  characters left.


 

Don't Miss

Steamy scenes for Purnell in Turkish bath

Scheming over the future of the Labour Party continues even in the most unlikely places

All stories


Promotions

Environmental initiatives

Find out how you can help to meet the challenges of climate change in London.


The Open University

Every year The Open University helps thousands of professionals progress in their careers.


Win the Best Seats

In London theatre when you vote for your favourite celebrity spec wearer.


Breast Cancer Care

Donate £1 and leave a message of support for a loved one in the Swarovski Garden of Wishes.


Win an iPodTouch

With Courvoisier when you share your thoughts on this week's cocktail.