Eurostar Commemorates Three Decades of Cross-Channel Operations

Thursday marked the 30th anniversary of Eurostar’s commencement of passenger services from London across the Channel. The tunnel, which became operational in 1994, was constructed by 13,000 workers over an eight-year period, concluding in 1993. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were present at the inauguration of Eurostar in May 1994, an event held at Waterloo International station, the service’s original base. Since that time, the service has transported millions of passengers across 28 stations. In November 2007, London St Pancras International was established as the new primary hub for Eurostar services. At that juncture, the company indicated that this relocation would benefit Kent commuters by freeing up domestic train lines leading into Waterloo station. Nevertheless, Eurostar has not utilized any stations in Kent since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Rail services connecting the UK to Europe have not made stops at the purpose-built stations in Ashford or Ebbsfleet since March 2020. The rail company has previously indicated financial factors and the post-Brexit border situation as reasons for the immediate non-resumption of services in Kent. A petition was launched in April 2023 by Keith Hillier-Palmer, advocating for the reinstatement of Eurostar stops in Kent, and it has since garnered nearly 60,000 signatures. Eurostar had previously confirmed that the stations would “remain closed throughout 2024/2025,” with an update to be provided should any changes arise. The company stated, “We understand this is disappointing for the local communities, and we will continue to work closely and openly with the local councils on the future of the stations.”