Each of the nine Eurotunnel passenger shuttles consists of two separate halves, or rakes. One has a single deck for coaches, minibuses, caravans and vehicles higher than 1.85m. The other transports cars and motorcycles on a double deck.
The fleet of nine passenger shuttles therefore comprises 108 single deck carriages, 108 double deck carriages, 36 double and single deck loading wagons. A complete passenger shuttle can carry 12 coaches and 120 cars.
The passenger shuttles were built in stainless steel by the Canadian group Bombardier Inc., BN (Belgium) and ANF (France). A passenger shuttle is made up of 24 carriages and four loading/unloading wagons in the following configuration:
Carriages have been insulated with materials used in the aeronautic industry, providing the best protection against high thermal variations and able to resist fire for 30 minutes. Each carriage is closed at each end with specially designed fire resistant doors, and equiped with smoke, vapour, heat and fire detectors.
Eurotunnel has a fleet of 16 truck shuttles, 7 Breda-Fiat shuttles and 9 of the Arbel type. each made up of 2 locomotives, 3 loading/unloading wagons and 30 carrying wagons, and each able to accomodate a 44-tonne truck.
For safety and security, truck drivers travel in an amenity carriage (club car).
