Rail Regulator Approves Eurostar Rival for UK-Continent Routes
The approval clears a key regulatory hurdle, but Virgin still needs safety sign-off and network access before launching services, officials said.
- On Monday, the Office of Rail and Road granted Virgin Trains track access to run up to 20 daily return services between London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam from October 1, 2030, through 2040.
- Eurostar has held a passenger monopoly through the Channel Tunnel since 1994; Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin, previously pledged to "end this 30-year monopoly" and bring competition to the route.
- Despite approval, Virgin must still procure rolling stock and obtain safety approvals from British and European Union authorities, with the ORR noting there is "still more work to do."
- Uncertainty surrounds funding for upgrades at Ashford International and Ebbsfleet, as Virgin has stated it does not want to pay for improvements, while Trenitalia and Gemini Trains are planning competing services.
- The Channel Tunnel operates at about 50 percent capacity, and with Eurostar transporting a record 20 million passengers last year, competition from multiple new operators positions the market for significant growth.
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Virgin receives track access to launch Eurostar rival in 2030
British group Virgin received high-speed rail access through the Channel Tunnel, an element needed to launch a rival service to Eurostar, which has held a monopoly on passenger services through the tunnel since 1994.
Virgin Trains gets green light to rival Eurostar with UK services to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam from 2030
Virgin Trains gets green light to rival Eurostar with UK services to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam from 2030 . Virgin Trains has received regulatory approval to run services from London St Pancras to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam
Virgin Trains has taken a new step in its attempt to establish itself as a competitor to high-speed operator Eurostar. Businessman Richard Branson's railway company has secured rail access to the Channel Tunnel in the United Kingdom from late 2030.
Good news for train travelers who like to visit Brussels, Paris, or London: the usually pricey Eurostar will likely get a competitor...
The British Virgin group of the magnate Richard Branson is closer to the launch of the challenge to Eurostar with the objective to break the monopoly that the company holds since 1994 on the railway trade between the United Kingdom and the European continent. (ANSA)
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