When it comes to cross-channel train travel, there’s usually just one name that instantly springs to mind, right? Eurostar has been the only commercial operator offering smooth, speedy, sustainable services through the Channel Tunnel since setting up shop back in 1994. But all that is about to change – because another rail operator has just taken a rather monumental step chug in the direction of ending Eurostar’s 32-year monopoly on the Channel Tunnel.
Virgin Trains first announced that it would be throwing its hat into the ring at the start of 2025, proposing a shiny new international service between London and the likes of Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. The plans came in a bid to ‘shake up’ the current cross-channel domination. But a few hoops needed to be jumped through in order to actually get the trains on the track.
In October, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) approved Virgin’s application to share the Temple Mills International depot with Eurostar (despite denying similar applications from other operators in the past). Being granted permission to maintain a fleet of 12 trains at the depot marked the first mighty milestone in the plans – and now Virgin has officially reached another one.
The latest breakthrough in Virgin’s ambitious plans comes – yet again – from the ORR. They’ve just given the company (which is, of course, owned by Sir Richard Branson) the green light to run up to 20 new daily return journeys through the Channel Tunnel. The agreement covers the period between October 1, 2030 and December 31, 2040. And whilst there are still some safety and regulatory hurdles to leap over to make these plans a reality, it’s looking as though the route will be up and running by the end of the decade.
Martin Jones, deputy director of access and international at the Office of Rail and Road, said: “This is an important next step in bringing competition and growth to the market for international rail services, and we welcome the progress Virgin Trains and London St Pancras High Speed have made.
“While there is still more work to do, we are supporting Virgin and the wider industry to grow international services.”
