140mph train begins preview service

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Britain's fastest commuter train is set to begin limited preview runs from this month before becoming fully operational in December.

The new 140mph Japanese-built train will carry invited guests on a round trip from London to Ashford in Kent on its first official preview service on June 29.

The Southeastern rail company is preparing to introduce the full 'Javelin' service between London's St Pancras station and Ebbsfleet in north Kent and Ashford from December 13.

The entry of the Hitachi Class 395 trains would mean commuters will be able to complete the journey from London to Ashford nearly 40 minutes faster than at present - in just 37 minutes.

The trains, running on the Channel Tunnel high-speed rail link line, will bring down the travel times from London to Ebbsfleet to 17 minutes.

Sports fans can travel from St Pancras to the Olympic venue at Stratford in east London in just seven minutes during the 2012 London Games.

But the high-speed train travel will come at a price. The one-way fare from Ashford to St Pancras will go up from £22.20 to £26.60.

Travellers holding first-class tickets, however, will not be required to pay extra.

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