British holidaymakers repatriated by Getlink before quarantine
18/08/2020 - 13h39
DEHOUI Lionel
Getlink is a European company established in 1986. Previously it was known as Eurotunnel, but it recently changed its name to Getlink in 2017. Listed on Euronext, its head office is in Paris, France. It specialises in the rail transport of goods and people. Each year Getlink carries around 21 million passengers, 1.7 million trucks, 2.7 million cars and more than 1.8 billion tonnes of goods. It provides a cross-Channel link through the Channel Tunnel, electricity interconnection and rail freight. Its turnover is estimated at 1 085 million euros in 2019. Last Friday, the Getlink company mobilised to bring in a massive influx of British holidaymakers before the start of the quarantine in the United Kingdom.
Image copyright: Rob Sinclair
The return of British holidaymakers to the fold
Faced with the outbreak of the new wave of Covid-19 contamination, the United Kingdom decided to set up a quarantine for all travellers coming from France. This quarantine should begin on Saturday, August 15 from 04:00 am. This situation then encouraged many British people staying (out of the country) to return before the quarantine begins. To this end, Friday was a busy day at Getlink which, through Eurotunnel, is proving to be the preferred choice of travellers.
Despite the fact that traffic was already heavy during this period, this rail transport giant decided to help the majority of Britons return home before the borders closed. Thus, the company claims to have made several round trips serving the United Kingdom. Eurotunnel, which is a major subsidiary of the company and a leader in Getlink's cross-Channel exchanges, explains that it has managed to get many more tourists through than usual.
To better assume this task, the Shuttle has increased its daily capacity by 30%. From there, 30 000 passengers could be transported thanks to a surplus of 22 departures. Helped by extra teams at the terminals, 11 600 vehicles quickly loaded the shuttles to take in all British holidaymakers wishing to be repatriated.
Getlink: safe travel to the UK
Without a doubt, last Friday was the busiest day of the year. The advent of the coronavirus pandemic had considerably reduced travel and slowed down activities. However, the shuttle buses to bring British tourists home took place in good conditions, while respecting protective measures.
Throughout the journey, passengers travelled in complete safety. They had no physical interaction with any staff member or other passenger. The success of the day is a testament to Getlink's organizational skills.
Getlink's professionalism
The European private company made a very remarkable collective effort on Friday. Thanks to the professionalism of its competent teams and their commitment, it was able to respond promptly to the expectations of its customers. This prowess demonstrates once again that the reliable and preferred means of transport across the Channel is Eurotunnel.