Switzerland and UK sign MoU on direct rail connection

10 May, London

The UK and Switzerland have signed a groundbreaking MoU to develop a direct high-speed rail link connecting London with Switzerland.

The United Kingdom and Switzerland recently signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to investigate the potential for a new direct high-speed rail link from London to cities in Switzerland such as Geneva, Basel, and Zurich, with huge potential time savings and a green alternative to air travel.

A Step Closer to Door-to-Door Destination Travel.
At present, travel from London to Switzerland necessitates a change of train in Paris and the total time for travel is approximately 7.5 hours. If a new direct service were to be introduced then that could be reduced to around 5 hours and this would also create a much more convenient and efficient journey experience.

The UK Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, welcomed the MoU as a step forward, saying “It isn’t going to be in the next 12 months, but if we can make this happen, I think it will be a great thing for our two countries.”

The Swiss Transport Minister, Albert Rösti, was just as positive about the discussion, saying, “If we can do this, I hope we can be up and running within 5 or 10 years!”

Establishing a direct rail link between the UK and Switzerland involves several technical and regulatory challenges to be solved. Key challenges include establishing appropriate border control facilities at Swiss departure stations and satisfying France’s severe safety requirements for the Channel Tunnel.

We are considering temporary modular border measures to minimize costs and the logistics of providing border control.

In the next few months, representatives in a joint working group from both governments are going to address these issues, focusing on commercial, technical, and security matters of the service proposed.

Infrastructure and Industry Collaboration
London’s St Pancras International station, which is the UK base for high-speed rail, is gearing up to support the new service. Robert Sinclair, Chief Executive, London St Pancras Highspeed said: “This exciting announcement is another step closer to direct high-speed services between London and Switzerland.”

Eurostar, which is the only company that currently operates passenger trains through the Channel Tunnel, has endorsed the opening of the market. Other operators, including the Virgin Group and Italy’s state railway, already looking to establish competing services, are a sign that we may be moving towards a more competitive international rail market.

The proposed direct rail link complements global efforts toward sustainable transportation. One full train could eliminate five short-haul flights and help cut carbon emissions. In addition, the service could enhance economic relationships and tourism for both the UK and Switzerland.

Though the MoU is an important development and milestone, a direct high-speed rail connection between London and Switzerland would need political will to address the associated technical, regulatory, and infrastructure issues. While there are challenges, both countries have demonstrated their willingness to build on this great opportunity to improve connections and sustainable transport within Europe.

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