US EditionBranson's Virgin moves closer to launching Eurostar rival
- On Thursday the Office of Rail and Road approved Virgin Trains' application to use Temple Mills depot, giving it the maintenance capacity needed to operate through the Channel Tunnel and advance its 2030 launch plans.
- With the tunnel only used at about 50% capacity, the ORR said Virgin Trains' plans were more financially and operationally robust and noted investor backing and rolling-stock agreements.
- Virgin confirmed earlier this year it agreed to buy 12 Avelia Stream trains from Alstom, each 200 metres long with 540 seats, but deliveries are scheduled for the late 2020s due to manufacturing backlogs.
- The regulator's decision knocked back rival bidders Evolyn, Gemini Trains and Trenitalia, overruling Eurostar and unlocking plans for around £700 million in investment and 400 new jobs.
- Virgin aims for a 30 million annual passenger network, but analysts warn Eurostar would still run three-quarters of cross-Channel services and Virgin must secure financing, station access, and safety certification.
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86 Articles
LONDON - The end of the monopoly for Eurostar is approaching, which has dominated the route of the Channel Tunnel since 1994...
Virgin could launch new cross-Channel train routes connecting the UK to European cities
British travellers could soon have more choice when travelling to Europe by train. The Office for Rail and Road has granted Virgin Trains permission to utilise Temple Mills International depot in East London, removing a crucial barrier to launching Channel Tunnel services.This regulatory approval paves the way for Virgin to commence operations by 2030, offering direct connections from London to major European destinations. British passengers wil…
British regulator’s decision opens path for Virgin Trains operation through Channel Tunnel
Britain’s Office of Road and Rail has granted Virgin Trains access to the Temple Mills servicing facility operated by Eurostar, a necessary step for Virgin Trains to launch service through the Channel Tunnel. ORR LONDON — Eurostar’s long run as the sole operator of rail service through the Channel Tunnel between England and France is likely to end following a decision today (Oct. 30, 2025) by the UK regulatory Office of Rail and Road to allow Vi…
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