Dartford Council’s leader has welcomed a new partnership involving Uber and rail start-up Gemini Trains, which aims to bring international rail services back to Kent via Ebbsfleet International — marking the return of cross-Channel train stops in the county for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Key Highlights:
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Route: London Stratford International → Ebbsfleet International → Paris & Brussels
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Operator: Gemini Trains
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Tech Partner: Uber (marketing, ticket sales via app)
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Status: Planning underway; new trains to be purchased
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Council Support: Dartford Council backs the proposal
Ebbsfleet May Reconnect with Europe
Services to Paris and Brussels through Ebbsfleet were suspended at the start of the pandemic. This proposed project would restore international connectivity to the Kent station and expand access from London Stratford International, a first for European rail travel.
Council leader Jeremy Kite expressed strong support:
“Kent is the gateway to Europe. It makes little to no sense to make passengers commute all the way to north London. Ebbsfleet’s platforms have stood empty for too long.”
Uber’s Role: Ticketing, Not Operation
While Uber will not operate the rail services, its agreement mirrors the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers model: co-branding and seamless booking within the Uber app.
“We’re excited to collaborate with Gemini,” said Andrew Brem, Uber UK General Manager.
Gemini Trains Promises ‘Cutting Edge’ Rail Travel
The startup plans to purchase ten new trains for the route, pledging “competitive fares, high comfort, and frequent services.”
“Innovation and value are at the heart of what we do,” said Adrian Quine, CEO at Gemini.
The move comes amid renewed local calls to restore international train stops at Ebbsfleet and Ashford — two Kent stations sidelined since 2020.
What’s Next?
While no launch date has been confirmed, the proposal marks a major step in re-establishing regional international rail connections.
