Bullet trains run preview service

The new 140mph trains will run from Ashford and Ebbsflett to London

Rail passengers on commuter routes from Kent to London will be able to try out the new Japanese-built bullet train on a special preview service.

Southeastern is to start a limited service using the 140mph "Javelin" trains later this month.

The trains will run between Ashford and Ebbsfleet in Kent and London St Pancras, starting on 29 June.

But fares on the preview trains will be £26.60 from Ashford instead of the normal £22.20.

Existing ticket holders can pay the £4.40 supplement at any station. First-class ticket holders will be able to use the high-speed service for no extra cost.

"The fares are for the preview service only, and we feel they offer value for money for passengers," said managing director Charles Horton.

The full Javelin train service, which will operate on the Channel Tunnel high-speed rail link line known as High Speed 1, will start on 13 December.

It will cut Ashford to London journey times from 80 minutes to 37 minutes, while Ebbsfleet to London will take 17 minutes.

The Javelin trains will also be used to take spectators from St Pancras to the 2012 Olympics site at Stratford in east London in seven minutes.

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