Eurostar’s 30 year monopoly on the Channel Tunnel could finally be coming to an end. Today (Thursday October 30) it was announced that Virgin Trains has been chosen by the Office for Rail and Road (ORR) to use the Temple Mills International depot – a move that puts it on track to launch services across the Channel within the next five years.
Temple Mills in the only train depot that can be accessed from HS1 (the line that runs between London and the Channel Tunnel) meaning access to it is crucial for any company wanting to run trains to Europe. Four train operators, as well as Eurostar itself, bid for use of its extra capacity, but Virgin came out on top.
Now, Virgin is firmly on track to start providing services to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam and ending Eurostar’s monopoly of the Channel Tunnel. It’s hoped that introducing a competitor will mean better services and lower ticket prices
Richard Branson said: ‘The ORR’s decision is the right one for consumers – it’s time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-Channel route.
‘Virgin is no stranger to delivering award-winning rail services, and just as we have successfully challenged incumbents in air, cruise and rail, we’re ready to do it again. We’re going to shake-up the cross-Channel route for good and give consumers the choice they deserve.’
Why has Virgin been chosen to compete with Eurostar?
Explaining why it chose Virgin above the three other bidders, the ORR said: ‘Virgin Trains' plans were more financially and operationally robust than those of other applicants, and it provided clear evidence of investor backing and an agreement in principle to deliver the necessary and appropriate rolling stock.’
Lord Peter Hendy, the rail minister, added: ‘Allowing Virgin Trains to share this vital facility will give passengers greater choice, better value and improve connectivity for millions, as well as drive innovation, lower fares and promote greener connections with Europe.’
When will Virgin trains launch from the UK to Europe?
Virgin has said it wants to start running services by 2030. It’s got a few more hurdles to jump before then, including getting trains built and tested and getting regulatory approvals covering issues such as track access and safety.
Things are already underway, though. Earlier this year, the company signed an exclusive agreement with global train manufacturer Alstom to purchase 12 Avelia Stream trains.
What places in the UK will get new direct Virgin trains to Europe?
So far, the only definite location that Virgin will be running from is London St Pancras. However, in its bid for the contract, the company said that it is ‘keen to explore ways to ‘enhance onward connectivity to the wider UK rail network’. It’s been speculated that that could include direct routes to Europe from Manchester or Birmingham.
Virgin also said that it will stop at Kent’s Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International stations if they are are reopened (they’ve been shut and unused to international trains since 2020) and is ‘working with Kent County Council and other local stakeholders to explore how to make this happen’.
Who were the other competing operators?
The ORR rejected competing applications from Spanish operator Evolyn, Uber-backed Gemini and Italian operator Trenitalia.
ICYMI: Everything you need to know about Eurostar’s new double-decker trains.
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