Virgin takes step towards running Channel Tunnel rail services
Firm wants to run up to 20 daily journeys to Europe but it must get additional approval for overseas tracks.
Virgin's aspirations to operate train services connecting London with Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam have advanced, following the UK regulator's grant of track access.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has authorized Virgin to run up to 20 daily round trips through the Channel Tunnel. This agreement is set to commence on October 1, 2030, and conclude on December 31, 2040.
The ORR characterized this as "a significant step forward" in fostering competition on a route where Eurostar has maintained a monopoly on passenger services since the tunnel's opening in 1994.
However, the regulator noted that Virgin still needs to acquire rolling stock for these services and obtain safety certifications from both UK and EU authorities.
The ORR's approval pertains solely to the track from London St Pancras to the Channel Tunnel entrance in Dover. The regulator indicated that Virgin must still secure access to rail networks on mainland Europe.
Martin Jones, the ORR's deputy director of access and international, stated, "This is an important next step in bringing competition and growth to the market for international rail services." He added, "While there is still more work to do, we are supporting Virgin and the wider industry to grow international services."
The ORR anticipates that increased competition on this route will yield "significant benefits" for passengers.
In addition to Virgin, Italy's FS Italiane Group is also exploring the possibility of operating services through the Channel Tunnel via its subsidiary, Trenitalia France.
A Virgin Group spokesperson commented, "Our plans for a new London-Europe rail service from 2030 are moving at pace." They further stated, "We welcome the ORR's pre-approval of our track access agreement and the opportunity to bring competition and Virgin's award-winning customer experience to the Channel Tunnel."
Virgin intends to purchase 12 high-speed trains from Alstom for use on this route.
In response to the ORR's announcement, Eurostar affirmed that it confirms "the huge potential for growth in international rail and the ambition across the industry to bring more passengers to Europe by train." Eurostar added, "Eurostar will play a full part in that growth, and our focus remains on delivering our own ambitious plans, investing in our fleet and carrying 30 million passengers a year."
Last year, Virgin's plans for international services received a boost when the ORR approved its application to share a crucial rail depot with Eurostar. The Temple Mills railway storehouse in east London is the only UK depot capable of accommodating the larger trains used in continental Europe and is already connected to the cross-Channel line.