Virgin Trains has received approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to operate daily return services through the Channel Tunnel, potentially ending Eurostar's decades-long monopoly on the route. The approval allows for services between London and Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.
The agreement, spanning from October 2030 to December 2040, represents a significant regulatory hurdle cleared by Richard Branson's company. Virgin Trains had previously secured access to Eurostar's Temple Mills depot in east London for train maintenance and storage, a facility crucial for access to High Speed 1, the line connecting to the tunnel.
Eurostar has been the sole provider of passenger services through the Channel Tunnel since its opening in 1994. Branson has expressed his intention to challenge this established monopoly, aiming to introduce "Virgin magic" to the cross-Channel route. Virgin plans to utilize St Pancras International station in London and serve the same stations in Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam as Eurostar.
The ORR described the track access decision as an "important next step" but noted that further work is required before services can commence. Martin Jones, Deputy Director of Access and International at the ORR, stated that the move is key to fostering competition and growth in the international rail market. He added that the ORR is supporting Virgin and the broader industry in expanding international services.
Before launching services in 2030, Virgin Trains must obtain access to other rail networks and secure safety approvals from the ORR and relevant EU regulators. A spokesperson for Virgin welcomed the ORR's pre-approval, emphasizing the opportunity to introduce competition and Virgin's customer service standards to the route.