Virgin Trains on track to challenge Eurostar cross-Channel monopoly with access to key depot | Rail industry

Richard Branson’s train company has moved a step closer to challenging Eurostar’s monopoly on carrying passengers across the Channel after the UK rail regulator approved Virgin Train’s application to use a key depot in east London.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has approved Virgin’s application to use the Temple Mills depot in Leyton, which is used for the maintenance and storage of trains. It was stated that the move would pave the way for £700 million of investment in new services and create 400 jobs.

Access to Temple Mills is a critical step in helping Virgin Trains challenge the monopoly held by Eurostar, which has been the only passenger service allowed to access the Channel tunnel since it opened in 1994. Temple Mills is the only train depot accessible from the High Speed ​​line 1, which runs between London and the tunnel.

This will enable Virgin trains to access the light maintenance facilities they need to operate international services to mainland Europe. Virgin still needs to gain additional regulatory approvals covering issues such as rail access and safety, but this brings Branson a step closer to launching a plan to run services to compete with Eurostar in 2030.

Branson said: “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 the air, cruise and rail sector, we are ready to do so again. We will completely transform the cross-channel route and give consumers the choice they deserve.”

ORR’s decision comes just months after it rejected a separate application to return Virgin trains to its main line on the west coast of England due to concerns about delays and canceled journeys. Virgin Group has not operated trains in the UK since its contract for the west coast main line ended in December 2019.

Commenting on the Temple Mills approval, Martin Jones, ORR’s deputy director of access and international, said: “With this decision, we are supporting customer choice and competition in international rail, enabling up to £700 million in private sector investment and stimulating growth.

“There is still some way to go before the first new services start, but we are ready to work with Virgin Trains as their plans develop.”

Earlier this month Eurostar announced it would start running double-decker trains through the Channel tunnel to meet growing demand for international rail travel from the UK.