Transport secretary Mr Philip Hammond said the
successful bidder would be incentivised to attract new operators to the
110km line which is currently used only by Eurostar service from London
to Paris and Brussels, and domestic 200km/h services between London and
Kent. The government intends to use the proceeds to reduce Britain's
public sector debt.
Bidders interested in acquiring HS1 must reply to the pre-qualification questionnaire by midday on July 9.
