For decades, Ashford International Station has been a vital transport hub, not just for Kent but for the entire South East of England. It was designed and developed with international train travel at its core, linking travellers from Kent to key European destinations such as Paris, Brussels, and beyond. However, in a move that can only be described as short-sighted and damaging, Eurostar withdrew services from Ashford during the pandemic and has yet to reinstate them. This decision is not only a disservice to the residents of Kent but also an outright betrayal of the businesses and infrastructure that were built around the expectation of a thriving international station.
Now, with demand for travel between the UK and Europe at an all-time high, it is an absolute disgrace that Ashford remains without international train services. The people of Kent, particularly those in central, northern, southern and eastern parts of the county should not be forced to endure the unnecessary hassle of travelling to London St Pancras just to board a Eurostar. It is time for Eurostar, or a new competitor, to step up and restore Ashford to its rightful place as a key international gateway.
Ashford: A Town Built on International Connectivity
Ashfords development over the last few decades was directly linked to its status as an international railway hub. The town was chosen for substantial investment because of the accessibility it provided to Europe, offering both residents and businesses an easy and efficient way to connect with the continent. Large businesses, logistics firms, and even residential developments were established with the promise of international rail services at their doorstep.
The International Station was not just about convenience; it was a key factor in economic growth. Businesses set up headquarters in Ashford because they could easily send staff and clients to France, Belgium, and beyond without the need for domestic flights or long-haul car journeys. The station was a major draw for professionals who commuted between the UK and Europe, and it played a significant role in Kents economy by linking it seamlessly with European markets.
Then, the pandemic hit. Eurostar, already struggling financially, cut services to Ashford and Ebbsfleet, focusing instead on their core London operations. While understandable in the depths of lockdowns, the real failure lies in their refusal to reinstate these services now that travel demand has returned stronger than ever. Kents international station has been left to gather dust, while passengers are forced into inefficient and costly workarounds.
A Disgraceful Oversight: Ignoring Demand
The demand for international train services from Kent is undeniable. Before the pandemic, Ashford and Ebbsfleet served hundreds of thousands of passengers annually, offering a convenient alternative to Londons crowded transport network. Travellers from Canterbury, Dover, Maidstone, and surrounding areas could board a train at Ashford and be in Paris within two hours, without the need to battle their way through London.
Today, with Eurostar refusing to resume these services, passengers are left with two poor options:
1. Catch a train or bus to London and take a Eurostar from St Pancras an unnecessary extra journey that adds time, cost, and stress to a trip that should have been seamless.
2. Fly to Europe instead which is not only inconvenient for many travellers but also flies in the face of sustainability goals that encourage train travel over short-haul flights.
The decision to keep Ashford disconnected from the international rail network is not just an inconvenience it is an outright deterrent to sustainable and efficient travel. The UK government talks endlessly about promoting green transport, yet here we are, forcing thousands of travellers onto the roads and into airports when a perfectly viable international train service already exists, if only it were reinstated.
The Case for Competition
Eurostars reluctance to return to Ashford should serve as an opportunity for competition to step in. If Eurostar refuses to acknowledge the demand, then its time for new players in the market to take up the mantle. Across Europe, new rail companies are emerging, offering high-speed international travel at competitive prices. The UK should be no different.
Allowing a competitor to operate services from Ashford would not only provide an alternative for passengers but would also force Eurostar to reconsider its current London-centric approach. Kent, with its large population and strategic location, is perfectly positioned for international rail connections yet it remains inexplicably sidelined.
Time for Action
The people of Kent deserve better. Businesses, commuters, and leisure travellers alike should not have to accept the current status quo. The demand is clear, the infrastructure is in place, and the benefits of reinstating international services to Ashford are undeniable.
Eurostar, or a competitor, must reinstate services as a matter of urgency. If Eurostar cannot see the value in Ashford, then the UK government must step in and open the market to new operators willing to serve the people of Kent properly. After all, transport infrastructure should serve its passengers, not the narrow interests of a single company with a London-centric strategy.
For too long, Kent has been overlooked, despite its strategic importance in the UKs connection with Europe. Restoring international train services to Ashford International Station isnt just a nice idea its an absolute necessity.
