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About us
HS1 Ltd is the organisation that owns the assets of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL), now called High Speed 1.
High Speed 1 is the railway between St Pancras in London and the Channel Tunnel and connects with the international high speed routes between London and Paris, and London and Brussels. High speed domestic trains will also use the railway, providing a much improved commuter service between London and Kent from late 2009. The railway is also capable of carrying freight traffic. HS1 Ltd is the owner of the stations along the route, including the magnificently refurbished St Pancras International.
Who we are and what we do
HS1 Ltd is the owner of the high-speed railway infrastructure and stations along the route. Through its technology and design it is in essence a stand alone high-speed railway. The use of the high-speed route by both international and domestic traffic, produces technical boundaries, interfaces and contractual interdependencies to manage. For example:
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Network Rail (CTRL) is the maintainer and operator of the railway infrastructure
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Train operating companies offer services to passengers on the railway
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HS1 Ltd’s railway infrastructure has physical connections with Eurotunnel, the DBS freight depot at Dollands Moor and the Network Rail classic railway at Ashford, Ebbsfleet, Ripple Lane and domestic lines north of London
Each of these boundaries is defined through a contractual relationship and implemented through working practice agreements. Much of the contractual framework and working practices are evolving, reflecting the new nature of the railway.
Contractual Framework
HS1 Ltd will continue its journey of substantial change for a further two years before settling into 'steady-state' operations. Domestic services are currently being tested and will begin from December 2009. Stratford International will be operational before this time with fit-out currently underway. Commercial arrangements for operators to use HS1 are currently the subject of consultation within the industry.
Footnote
Currently the ownership of the railway is split between HS1 Ltd and CTRL (UK) Limited, both wholly owned subsidiaries of London & Continental Railways (LCR). LCR has consolidated the two sections of the railway into one company, HS1 Ltd, in preparation for sale. From a management and operational point of view the whole railway is treated as one entity, “HS1”.