U.K. Moves into Europe's Fast Lanes with Its First High-Speed Connector

摘要

Passenger trains from France burst out of the Channel Tunnel into the U.K. at 300 kilometers per hour. But as they enter Britain's crowded commuter network on the way to London, trains must cut their speed almost in half. Former French President Francois Mitterand once joked that this gave him a relaxed view of the fine English countryside. Now, British rail officials hope that completion of the 109-km Channel Tunnel Rail Link, the U.K.'s first high-speed railroad, will resolve the country's need for speed and redeem the national reputation.