Deutsche Bahn Begins Channel Tunnel Tests

Deutsche Bahn yesterday began running tests of their trains through the Channel tunnel, with a view to establishing direct links between St. Pancras and Frankfurt before the 2012 Olympics. The German company is operating trains similar to the new Eurostar e320 models announced last week, and they will face the same objections from the French over safety, namely that the trains should have power cars at both ends, something the Siemens-built vehicles lack. The key test for Deutsche Bahn will be a trial in-tunnel evacuation this Saturday.