Calls for competition on the Channel Tunnel as it turns 30
Eurostar is the only firm running passenger services through the Channel Tunnel - but there's call for that to change.
As the Channel Tunnel turns 30 today - there's calls for Eurostar to face direct competition.
The firm holds a monopoly in running passenger services through the tunnel - that opened in 1994.
Spanish start-up Evolyn is aiming to launch services next year, and Richard Branson's also looking at it.
It remains the world's longest subsea rail tunnel at 31 miles.
An international rail travel expert has called for Eurostar to face direct competition, as the Channel Tunnel turns 30 years old on Monday.
Mark Smith, founder of international train travel website Seat61.com, said having a second company operating passenger train services to the continent could lead to lower fares and new destinations.
Eurostar holds a monopoly in running passenger services through the tunnel, which was officially opened on May 6 1994 by Queen Elizabeth II and France's then-president Francois Mitterrand.
But Mr Smith said there are "people waiting in the wings to compete".
Spanish start-up company Evolyn is aiming to launch services through the tunnel next year, while billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson is reportedly also developing a rival operation.
Construction work began in December 1987, with 11 huge boring machines cutting through eight million cubic metres of chalk marl to create the tunnel.
In addition to Eurostar services, vehicle-carrying shuttle trains between Folkestone and Calais are run by Eurotunnel, which is part of Channel Tunnel owner Getlink.
Some 101 million vehicles have travelled on these services.
The Channel Tunnel remains the world's longest subsea rail tunnel at 31 miles.