Eurostar e320 high-speed trains started operation on the London-Brussels route on May 28. The Siemens-built EMUs are replacing Class 373 sets on UK-Belgium services, and will allow Eurostar to introduce a twice-daily service to Rotterdam and Amsterdam from December.
The first public working of an e320 set to Brussels took place on May 23, when Nos. 374025/026 worked the 08.04 St Pancras International-Brussels Midi.
The new trains offer more seats – 894 per train compared with 792 – more comfort, free WiFi, plug and USB charging sockets, wider seats and more legroom than existing trains, and offer features such as free streaming of TV and films from an onboard infotainment server.
Monthly Subscription: Enjoy more Railway Magazine reading each month with free delivery to you door, and access to over 100 years in the archive, all for just £5.35 per month.
Click here to subscribe & save
Homologation of the trains for use over the HSL Zuid high-speed line in the Netherlands is reported to be on schedule and trains should receive permission to work through to Amsterdam soon.
Read more in the June issue of The RM – on sale now!
