The UK Government has opened bids to operate Britain’s first high-speed railway, High Speed 1.
The selected bidder will become the owner of HS1 Ltd, which has a 30-year concession to run the line and stations.
High Speed 1 includes a 68-mile line linking London to the Channel Tunnel and stations such as St Pancras International, Stratford, Ashford and Ebbsfleet.
Currently, High Speed 1 is used by Eurostar services between London and European destinations and domestic high-speed services between London and Kent.
The performance of HS1 Ltd will be independently policed by the Office of Rail Regulation to safeguard the interest of rail passengers, following the sale.
The sale will be managed by the Government by London and Continental Railways.
