Uber could run train services between Stratford International and Paris

Uber branded trains could be calling at Stratford International soon, as Gemini Trains, one of the new rail companies aiming to break Eurostar’s monopoly through the Channel Tunnel, says it plans to use the station as its London terminus.

Stratford International (c) ianVisits

The trains will also be branded as Uber as Gemini Trains has signed a co-branding agreement with the taxi hire company that will also let passengers book tickets through the Uber taxi booking smartphone app.

In its Uber announcement, Gemini Trains also confirmed that if and when it launches services, the initial route will be from London Stratford International to Paris Gare du Nord and Brussels Midi, all also calling at Ebbsfleet International station.

These would, therefore, be the first international services to use Stratford International station since it was built, as it has only ever been used for Southeastern’s Javellin high-speed domestic train services.

Although built for international services, the necessary customs and passport facilities were not added then. That might be an accidental blessing though as it means Gemini Trains would be able to fit out their new facilities using modern passport control technologies.

Although not intended to be used as a terminus, the tracks include crossovers that would permit arriving trains to stop at the station and then reverse over onto the outbound tracks when heading back to mainland Europe.

Adrian Quine, CEO, Gemini says: “Innovation and value are at the very heart of what we do so it’s really exciting to be teaming up with Uber, an instantly recognisable global brand which has revolutionised the travel industry. Now passengers will be able to enjoy the same value and comfort on brand new ‘cutting edge’ trains at the touch of a button.”

All going to plan, they could start offering services by 2030. That’s going to be subject to a lot of regulatory and financial pieces falling into place, not least, securing maintenance facilities for the new trains.

The company says that it also has plans to expand services to further European destinations, with Paris and Brussels just the start.