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International

Competition for crossing the English Channel in 2010?

Eurostar’s status as the exclusive rail operator using the tunnel beneath the English Channel—t he Chunnel—ends in January, and it may be getting some competition. Air France announced in 2008 a competing high-speed rail service between London and Paris to begin in 2010 on the same tracks but at a higher speed. Given the slow economy, this project may face some delays.

Today, more persons travel between London and Paris by Eurostar, a joint service of the Belgian, British, and French railways, than by air. It is a 20-minute, 100-mile-an-hour, 24-mile trip—and it is said to be greener than flying.

Source: Chicago Tribune