Eurostar to order trains from Siemens following legal victory

Following the recent legal challenge from Alstom, Eurostar is now clear to order trains from train builder Siemens.

The French train builder had argued that the order was invalid because the German built trains would use distributed traction, where traction equipment is housed under the carriage floors. The rules on this are being revised from the current ruling that all such equipment must be at either end of the train.

The 10 Velaro trains will enter service from 2014

After the court case Eurostar released this statement : “We are very pleased that the situation has been resolved and we can proceed to signing the contract for our new fleet of trains with Siemens.We have always been confident that we conducted a rigorous tender process and have chosen the best trains for our passengers.With our current fleet upgraded and our new fleet of trains in place we will be able to offer our customers a real alternative to taking the plane for short haul European travel.”

Eurostar trains at St Pancras International. Picture: www.upmain.com