Over 10 Percent Rise In Rail Travel Reported By Eurostar

London, England (AHN) - The number of passengers who traveled from London to Paris and Brussels went up by more than 10 percent in 2008, according to Eurostar chief executive Richard Brown.

That meant about 9.1 million passengers rode the High Speed 1 on its first year of operation. The train connects the St. Pancras station in London to Paris and Brussels, which reduced travel time to one hour and 15 minutes to the Belgian capital and two hours and 15 minutes to the French capital.

Brown said the additional one million passengers ferried by Eurostar indicate shifting passenger preference for rail over short-haul air flights. Brown explained to BBC, "They are switching because rail journeys are faster, more punctual, more convenient and have less environmental impact."

Brown's statement comes at a time when environmentalists and residents near Heathrow Airport are battling with the aviation industry for a planned third runway in the London gateway and more flights in existing runways.

Aside from protesting against the construction of a third runway, the anti-expansion group have on their side celebrities, scientists, politicians and green campaigners who purchased one-acres properties near the Sipson village, where 700 houses would be destroyed to give way to the third runway.

Among those who had bought lots are British actress Emma Thompson and comedian Alastair McGowan, Conservative Party green adviser Zac Goldsmith and Greenpeace director John Sauven.