The French and British governments granted Deutsche Bahn an operating certificate to run passenger services from London through the Channel Tunnel

following a three-year study. Tunnel operator Groupe Eurotunnel claimed the new services will add up to 4 million passengers annually to the 10 million already using Eurostar services to Brussels and Paris. Deutsche Bahn is expected to operate routes to Frankfurt (via Cologne) and Amsterdam. The German rail operator originally hoped to launch its London-originating services this year but now says the earliest starting date will be 2016.