One of the operators which wants to operate open access international trains between London and continental Europe has named a train builder and a leasing company as its partners.

Gemini Trains says it is working with Siemens and Rock Rail so that it can run services between London, Paris, Brussels and Cologne.

It is planning to invest in Siemens Velaro sets, which are already used on Eurostar services.

Gemini is currently awaiting a decision from the Office of Rail and Road about its application for space at Temple Mills depot, which is operated by Eurostar. The ORR has already warned that there can only be capacity for one additional operator unless Temple Mills is enlarged or another depot is built for international trains, and Gemini is facing competition from operators like Virgin and Spanish Evolyn.

Eurostar is urging the industry and government to work together to encourage private investment in depots. Upgrades could include Southeastern and Hitachi’s Ashford Train Maintenance Centre, freight sidings at Dollands Moor, Singlewell depot, Barking Ripple Lane, the HS1 chord and Fawkham Junction. A new depot could also be built in East London.

Gemini said: ‘This maintenance capacity is essential to the delivery of the new Siemens fleet.’

The proposed services will also be ‘co-branded’ by Uber, and will use the station at Stratford International which, in spite of its title, has only ever been served by domestic trains.

Gemini Trains CEO Adrian Quine said: ‘Our collaboration with Uber, Siemens and Rock Rail creates a powerful partnership as we move towards our goal of running regular high quality and competitively priced trains connecting the UK to France, Belgium and for the first time ever, Germany. This is great news for UK jobs, the economy and of course passengers.’

Siemens assembles trains at Goole in Yorkshire, which is currently producing a new Piccadilly line fleet for Transport for London.

CBI regional director for Yorkshire and The Humber Beckie Hart said: ‘The announcement that Gemini’s new fleet will be built by Siemens has the potential to drive growth, strengthen supply chains and signal confidence in our world-class manufacturing.

‘We have already seen this in Yorkshire & The Humber where Siemens’ commitment to Goole has created high-quality jobs and built skills for the future.’

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