Pound stays as Eurostar is forced to backtrack

By MAIL ON SUNDAY REPORTER
Updated:


Eurostar has dropped a controversial plan to stop accepting the pound on its trains after outrage among British passengers.

The train operator ran a trial where it would accept only euros or payments by debit and credit cards, but not British currency – even while the trains are in England.

But customers were angered by the proposal, and politicians branded the scheme ‘outrageous’.

Pounded: Eurostar bosses have backed down on plans to ban the use of the pound

Pounded: Eurostar bosses have backed down on plans to ban the use of the pound

Tory MP Patrick Mercer said: ‘It is euro-imperialism.’ Fellow Tory David Davies added: ‘I am outraged. Eurostar itself would not be in existence had it not been for the British taxpayer.’

During the trial, customers trying to buy snacks were greeted with the sign: ‘Please note we no longer accept pounds Sterling in cash but you can still pay with euros and all major credit and debit cards.’

Passenger James Beedell, 65, said: ‘I thought it was outrageous.’

Anthony Smith, of rail user watchdog Passenger Focus, said passengers often reported they wanted more choice on the rails.

'We are pleased Eurostar have listened to passengers and dropped this idea.'

A Eurostar spokesman admitted that passenger reaction was negative. He added: ‘We have decided to continue accepting cash-based Sterling payments on all of our trains.’

The company had first claimed it was unsure when a final decision would be made, but performed a rapid U-turn after poor feedback.

Earlier this year Eurostar said it had seen customer numbers rise due to the Royal wedding.

Over half a million non-European customers travelled with the company in the first half of the year, a 21 per cent increase driven largely by US visitors, it said.


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