‘eurostar rival’ virgin’s plans for uk to europe trains confirmed and there’s a launch date

Eurostar can move forward with their plans to launch rail services (Picture: Virgin Trains)

In a ‘major breakthrough’ for Virgin,the Eurostar rival says it can now progress with plans to launch it’s cross-Channel rail services,offering routes from 2030.

The Government’s Office of Rail and Road have announced that Sir Richard Branson’s company will be allowed to use the Temple Mills International rail depot to maintain their fleet of 12 trains.

The Temple Mills site has been in in high demand,with several of Eurostar’s competitors vying for space at the depot. Richard Branson has previously said space here was a ‘major hurdle’ in being able to offer a service.

But now,the regulatory green signal puts Virgin on course to introduce cross-Channel services from London St Pancras to Europe within the next five years.

Sir Richard Branson,said: ‘The ORR’s decision is the right one for consumers – it’s time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-Channel route. 

‘Virgin is no stranger to delivering award-winning rail services,and just as we have successfully challenged incumbents in air,cruise and rail,we’re ready to do it again. We’re going to shake-up the cross-Channel route for good and give consumers the choice they deserve.’

It’s good news for the Virgin boss (Picture: Virgin Trains)

What are Virgin’s plans for Cross-channel rail services?

Virgin recently signed a deal for 12 high-speed Avelia Stream trains,aiming to use the rolling stock – from French train manufacturer Alstom – for journeys through the Channel Tunnel by 2030.

The plan was revealed in the company’s submission to the ORR for permission to run services on HS1,the high-speed line from London St Pancras to Kent and on through the Tunnel.

The submission,which suggests that Virgin is the only applicant that has secured funding and trains,is the first significant challenge to Eurostar’s dominance of the Channel Tunnel since it began operating in 1994.

Virgin has its eyes on Eurostar’s prize (Picture: Tony Wooliscroft/Getty Images)

Virgin first announced plans to take on Eurostar in January.

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