ERA backs open access in the Tunnel

摘要

The prospect of DB and other open-access operators reaching London has increased, after the European Railway Agency issued a Technical Opinion on March 21 confirming that there is no intrinsic reason why trainsets with distributed traction should be banned from operating through the Channel Tunnel. The Intergovernmental Commission had asked ERA to review its proposed changes to Eurotunnel's operating rules, as outlined on March 31 2010 following consultation with current and potential operators. ERA was asked to review the safety and operating rules which restrict the types of locomotives and rolling stock permitted to use the Tunnel, following suggestions by the French government that the Siemens Velaro trainsets proposed by both Eurostar and DB would impact on safety because of the use of distributed traction.