Fujitsu links Eurostar and UK National Rail ticketing systems for online sales

Fujitsu Services and Eurostar, the high-speed international rail operator, announced today that Fujitsu has connected Eurostar’s online ticket system with seven UK train operators’ systems. Fujitsu’s work means that travellers from 68 towns and cities across the UK can now book through-fares to Continental Europe on eurostar.com

Previously travellers had to book domestic and international rail travel separately. Now, travellers from such cities as Leicester, Cambridge, York and Birmingham can just go to eurostar.com and book one fare valid for the entire journey to Paris, Disneyland Resort Paris, Lille, Brussels (and any station in Belgium), and 75 other connecting destinations in France – making the whole travelling experience easier and more seamless.

Fujitsu has linked Eurostar’s online ticketing system with those of Chiltern Railways, East Midlands Trains, First Capital Connect, Hull Trains, London Midland, National Express East Coast and Virgin Trains. In mid-to-late 2008, in the second phase of project, more UK towns and cities with mainline stations into London will have through-fares to the Continent and Fujitsu will link eurostar.com to other UK train operators’ online ticketing systems.

Jamel Chandoul, head of distribution and commercial systems, Eurostar said: “This is one of a number of key customer service initiatives designed to make the whole travelling experience for passengers as easy as possible.  With this new ticketing system many travellers can now book their entire journey from their local mainline station to Continental Europe through one joined-up service – making their Eurostar experience even better.”

Steve Andre, managing director private sector, Fujitsu Services said: “This is a significant contract for Fujitsu and will make a fundamental difference to the way in which Eurostar is able to operate. To help Eurostar improve its customer service in such a fundamental way is exactly the sort of business outcome that Fujitsu aims for with all its customers. Eurostar customers will ultimately get an enhanced service to influence them to come back and use Eurostar again.”

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