A viable market exists for low-fares high-speed train services between Britain and France, according to a study commissioned by Channel Tunnel operator Getlink.

GROWTH in the business market and a further rise in travellers from the United States have helped Eurostar to achieve record first-quarter ridership, according to the latest figures from the international high-speed operator.

EUROSTAR operated its inaugural service between London, Rotterdam and Amsterdam on February 20, an event which outgoing CEO Mr Nicolas Petrovic described as historic for the international high-speed operator as it finally expanded east beyond its core London - Paris/Brussels network.

EUROSTAR will launch its first direct London - Amsterdam passenger service on April 4, initially offering two trains per day in one direction only.