Eurostar has attributed impressive growth over the first half of 2008 to increased connectivity with destinations across the UK and the rising cost of flying.
The rail operator has posted half-year results that show a 25 per cent increase in ticket sales and 18 per cent rise in passenger numbers over the first six months of 2008.
Growth was strongest on through fares from towns and cities north of London, with Derby up 190 per cent, Nottingham up 131 per cent and Sheffield increasing by 128 per cent. Newcastle, Leeds and Birmingham also posted strong growth.
Eurostar says the introduction of ‘good value’ through fares to the continent from over 130 UK towns and cities has been key to driving demand in the UK regions. Says Eurostar chief executive Richard Brown, “This impressive growth in traveller numbers clearly demonstrates that Eurostar’s move to St Pancras International has opened up high-speed rail services to millions more people across the UK.
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Adding a note of caution, Brown said, “While we expect traveller numbers and ticket revenues to continue to rise, it is clear that the wider economic environment is deteriorating and we expect that the rate of growth will slow in the second half of the year.”
