The UK regulator has approved Virgin's plan to operate up to 20 daily return services through the Channel Tunnel starting in 2030.
Key facts
- •The ORR agreement for Virgin runs from 1 October 2030 to 31 December 2040.
- •Virgin plans to purchase 12 high-speed trains from Alstom for the new routes.
- •The ORR previously approved Virgin's application to share the Temple Mills railway depot with Eurostar.
- •Eurostar has maintained a monopoly on passenger services through the Channel Tunnel since 1994.
- •FS Italiane Group is also seeking to enter the market through its subsidiary, Trenitalia France.
Virgin has moved closer to launching rail services between London and Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam after receiving track access approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The agreement allows the company to operate up to 20 daily return services through the Channel Tunnel from 1 October 2030 until 31 December 2040. This decision marks a potential shift for the route, where Eurostar has held a passenger service monopoly since 1994.
By the numbers
Regulatory Requirements and Next Steps
While the ORR has granted access to the track from London St Pancras to the Channel Tunnel at Dover, Virgin must still secure access to rail networks in mainland Europe. Additionally, the company is required to obtain safety approvals from both UK and EU authorities and secure the necessary rolling stock. Virgin has announced plans to purchase 12 high-speed trains from Alstom for these operations.
Market Competition and Industry Response
The ORR stated that the approval is a significant step toward introducing competition and growth to the international rail market. In addition to Virgin, Italy's FS Italiane Group is exploring the operation of services through the tunnel via its subsidiary, Trenitalia France. Eurostar acknowledged the potential for industry growth and stated its focus remains on its own expansion plans, which include reaching a target of 30 million passengers per year.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Business.
