Find out what passengers
thought of the preview service.

by Rhona Pinkerton

Commuters got to test out the new high speed rail link for the
first time today to see if it really is worth the money.

The first 'preview' service for the public left Ashford
International shortly before 7am calling at Ebbsfleet International
on the way to London St Pancras.

Travelling at 140mph, it takes 37 minutes from Ashford and 17
from Ebbsfleet.

It is meant to open up the county to new businesses - but a
single journey to London on the preview trains costs £26.60 from
Ashford instead of the normal £22.20.

Trains this morning were reasonably busy, especially with
passengers travelling from Ashford.

For most passengers the speed was a bigger pull than the
cost.

Lisa Webb, 27, from Darenth said: "The quality of life is more
important, I think that if I can cut out an hour and a half and
have that back as some time for me then it’s worth it."

There was also praise for the new 'bullet' style trains. Diane
Kerry, 57, from Bean said: "It’s really comfortable, it’s great,
really clean. It’s like first class."

Most passengers said they would be looking to use it again - but
Grant Sickler, 41, from Rochester said: "I'll have to weigh up the
cost of parking and the train but it has been quick and efficient
this morning."

Speaking earlier this month, Charles Horton, Southeastern
managing director, said: "I know that for some people price is the
most important factor.

"So for those people there will be the existing services
maintained on the network so they can use those services – but for
those who wish to pay to have the faster journeys, these services
will be here, and I encourage people to come along and travel on
them."