Shaw expects “significant” interest to result in further competition on HS1

Nicola Shaw HS1

Nicola Shaw HS1

The SouthEastern domestic Javelin service uses the HS1 line from Ashford to St Pancras

The SouthEastern domestic Javelin service uses the HS1 line from Ashford to St Pancras

As the sole private sector owner of a high speed rail line in Europe, the UK’s HS1 has  an obvious incentive to encourage new businesses to compete against Eurostar. The  concession to operate the line between London and the Channel Tunnel was privatised last year and  is now owned by two Canadian pension funds, and lasts for 30 years. 

Chief executive Nicola Shaw is certain that further competition to Eurostar will emerge on London-Europe rail routes,  in...