Virgin Trains has received approval from the UK’s rail regulator to initiate rail services through the Channel Tunnel by sharing a depot with Eurostar. This decision marks a significant change, as Eurostar has held a monopoly on passenger services since the tunnel’s opening in 1994.
The Temple Mills depot in east London is the only facility in the UK equipped to accommodate the larger trains used in continental Europe, and it is connected to the cross-Channel line. Martin Jones, deputy director of Access and International, noted that this decision supports customer choice and competition in international rail services, with the potential to unlock up to £700 million in private sector investment and promote growth. He stated that while new services are not imminent, the regulator is prepared to collaborate with Virgin Trains as their plans develop.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) stated that the Temple Mills depot has sufficient capacity to either support an expanded Eurostar fleet or accommodate trains from a competing operator, but not both simultaneously. Several companies, including the Spanish start-up Evolyn, Virgin Trains, and a partnership between Gemini Trains and Uber, expressed interest in operating services between London and mainland Europe. However, the ORR only granted approval to Virgin’s application on Thursday and rejected those from Evolyn, Gemini, and Trenitalia.
This regulatory decision may pave the way for increased competition and service options for travelers wishing to travel between the UK and mainland Europe.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8v5z15551o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss