Egypt unveils high-speed train
Siemens Mobility unveiled the Velaro train for Egypt’s high-speed rail line, expected to open in 2027.
The train, adapted for Egypt’s desert conditions, reaches speeds of up to 250km per hour and can seat 489 passengers. It will operate from 2027 on the Green Line – a 660km network connecting Cairo to Ain Sokhna, Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh.
The Green Line is the first phase of the project, which will span over 2 000km and connect all major cities in Egypt with 94 trains.
Eurostar launches 2-for-1 museum entry
Eurostar has introduced a 2-for-1 ticket system, allowing Eurostar ticket holders entry to museums and galleries across London, Amsterdam, Paris and Brussels.
Travellers can get two tickets for the price of one by showing their train ticket at the museums’ box offices. At selected museums, they can also book their ticket online.
Participating museums include the Design Museum, Tate Modern, The National Gallery and The British Museum in London, Centre des Monuments Nationaux and Musée de l'Homme in Paris, and Moco Museum and H'ART Museum in Amsterdam. The ticket also covers a range of exhibitions across the three cities.
SNCF introduces new premium offerings
French rail operator SNCF is rolling out two new premium travel classes across its TGV INOUI trains from January 8 next year, which will replace the Business Première offering.
From Monday to Friday, OPTIMUM will be available on all trains arriving or departing central Paris, while OPTIMUM PLUS will be offered exclusively on the Paris-Lyon route.
Both classes will allow guests to change their ticket free of charge up to 30 minutes after the train's departure at no extra cost and guarantees a constant price, whether travellers book two months in advance or the day before departure.
OPTIMUM guests will have access to on-board TGV INOUI lounges, over 500 entertainment options, and dedicated customer service.
OPTIMUM PLUS will offer a dedicated host on board and catering.
Train station at new UK Universal theme park
The UK is planning to build a new railway station to serve the proposed Universal Studios UK theme park, expected to open in 2031.
The station in Stewartby, Bedfordshire, will be part of the East West Rail line, which aims to connect Oxford to Cambridge, via Milton Keynes and Bedford.
Up to five trains an hour will run during peak times to help cater for people wanting to travel to Universal Studios theme park, according to BBC.
