Deutsche Bahn successfully tests ICE 3 in Eurotunnel

Safety tests for the ICE 3 trains went well this past weekend indicating the train can be evacuated in under 20 minutes, said Eurotunnel on Tuesday.
Deutsche Bahn, which is hoping to launch the high-speed train in the tunnel, will mostly likely begin in 2012 or 2013 if further tests are successful. Currently, Ice 3 trains do not adhere to all the safety requirements needed to serve passengers in the Channel Tunnel.
Two pilot runs were taken this weekend, and Eurotunnel spokesman, John Keefe stated that both ‘went well’. According to Keefe, both tests showed that the train can be evacuated in less than the 20 minute time-frame required by safety regulations.
The Channel Tunnel Safety Authority, a joint team of English and French authorities, has been reviewing current safety policy. Eurostar, which currently offers high-speed services in the tunnel, is already awaiting for policy changes that would allow the use of ICE 3 trains.
In December, when five Eurostar trains shut down, Eurotunnel’s evacuation process underwent sharp tests. Passengers, however, had to wait as long as 16 hours to reach their final destination.

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