BREAKING NEWS on Monday is the announcement by Eurostar that in its war with the airlines it is to divide its first class section into separate business and leisure carriages, seating travellers depending on their key reason for travelling. The changes are part of a ”1m per train investment to upgrade its executive offerings. The fresh approach follows the results of Eurostar”s largest ever research study among travellers and potential future Eurostar users, who pointed to a need to tailor the product for the differing needs of business and leisure travellers. The research concluded that travellers want separate business and leisure carriages. Whereas business travellers wanted to be as productive as possible on their journey, leisure customers called for greater indulgence. From 1 September out goes first class and premium, in comes Business Premier with a ten minute fast-track check-in, exclusive lounge access, at-seat meal/drinks service and new express breakfast option, individual power sockets newspapers/magazines on-board and an optional chauffeur service (at additional cost). Leisure Select has a 30-minute check-in, at-seat meal/drinks service, newspapers/magazines and power sockets. Standard class has a 30-minute check-in and an on-board bar-buffet offering light meals, snacks and drinks. Coming in 2007 is the transfer of the London terminal to St Pancras and the opening of a new station at Stratford.
http://www.eurostar.com