I think the competition here is mostly road-based, in the form of Megabus and Eurolines. It's not uncommon for transport companies to 'compete' in this manner, even British Airways has a shareholding in Eurostar.
What mode of transport is used across the English Channel? Ferry or Train?
I know Eurolines uses a both, I went overnight by coach from London to Paris and return in Feburary and our service used the Train out and Ferry (P&O) back.
http://booking.idbus.com/ScheduleSelect.aspx said:Bus-car comparison
Compare the price of your journey by bus with the average cost of a return weekend trip by car.
LONDRES
PARIS
Fuel:
81.48 £
Tolls*:
174.00 £
Parking:
24.55 £
Total:
280.03 £
Average price for a return trip by car and one day's car parking fees.
*The toll of the Chunnel is included in the price for tickets to and from London
I cannot see if they carry bikes ?
It seems that purchase of a brompton style bike is becoming necessary if you want to use on public transport.
Travelling by coach is about sharing. Sharing cultures, life experiences, dreams. But also certain values that are indispensable so that everyone, both young and not so young, can spend an agreeable moment together.
Curiously enough, they sometimes do in America though. You'll see regular service buses with bike racks on the front. I'm not sure I'd feel safe putting a
Bike there.
And Wilts & Dorset do with the New Forest Tour, I believe.