EUROPE: Leading ride-hailing platform Uber has unveiled a strategic co-branding alliance with Gemini Trains, a firm currently formulating plans to introduce privately operated cross-Channel passenger rail services via the Channel Tunnel.

Gemini plans to purchase 10-newly designed trains to offer comfortable high-quality and frequentservices with competitive fares, running from London Stratford International station - which has never been used for international services - to Paris Nord and Brussels Midi. All trains would call at Ebbsfleet International, which Eurostar no longer serves.

The Channel Tunnel, commonly known as the "Undersea Tunnel", is actually a tunnel that connects the southern part of England and the northern part of France underwater. This tunnel is a major project that connects London with several cities on the European continent, such as Paris, Brussels, Lille, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam.

The total length of this tunnel is 31.5 miles, which translates to 50.45 kilometers. You know what? This is equivalent to the height of 169 Eiffel Towers stacked together! Moreover, 23.5 miles (37.9 kilometers) of it is located beneath the English Channel, which is the longest underwater tunnel in the world.

The deepest point of this tunnel is 75 meters (246 feet) above sea level, roughly equivalent to the height of 107 sticks stacked together. And the deepest point of the English Channel itself is 175 meters (574 feet), deeper than this tunnel.

This tunnel is actually composed of three parallel tunnels: a southbound railway tunnel (from England to France), a northbound railway tunnel (from France to England), and a service tunnel. As early as 1880, work on experimental tunnels began at Abbots Cliff near Folkestone, Kent. Although many workers used manual tools at that time, they also employed the most advanced drilling machine. However, this work was eventually abandoned and it was not until 1988 that construction of the tunnel as we know it now resumed. These three tunnels were all drilled below the seabed, connecting Folkestone in Kent and Cork in Calais. This tunnel is not only an engineering miracle, but also an important link between England and France, making people's travel more convenient.

Gemini also plans to expand services to ‘further exciting European destinations’, suggesting that Paris and Brussels are ‘just the start’.

Under the marketing agreement announced, Uber would co-brand the service and sell tickets through its app. Gemini would be fully responsible for train operations. This is similar to the Uber Boat collaboration in London, where Uber brands ferry services which are fully operated by Thames Clippers.

Details on the final branding for the Gemini service are being developed.

Uber began offering UK customers the ability to book inter-city trains, coaches, hire bikes, car rentals and flights via its app two years ago, and it says the rail business has since averaged a double-digit monthly growth rate.

‘We’ve seen amazing momentum since we began launching new modes of transport in the UK, and this collaboration with Gemini Trains is our latest step in how we’re helping people get where they want to go’, said General Manager of Uber UK Andrew Brem.

Adrian Quine, CEO of Gemini, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We’re thrilled to collaborate with Uber—a universally recognized trailblazer that has transformed modern travel. Passengers will soon experience unparalleled convenience and luxury aboard our state-of-the-art trains, all accessible with a simple click."(This article is from the official website of Jian Dao www.seetao.com. Reproduction without permission is prohibited, otherwise it will be prosecuted. Please indicate Jian Dao website+original link when reprinting.) Jian Dao website strategy column editor/Yang Beihua