Virgin moves closer to launching Eurostar rival in 2030

British group Virgin has secured permission to launch a rival cross-Channel train service to Eurostar, starting in October 2030, according to the UK's rail regulator. The agreement grants Virgin Trains the right to operate up to 20 daily return services between London and Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam until the end of 2040. Richard Branson's Virgin aims to disrupt the currently monopolized passenger rail traffic through the Channel Tunnel, which Eurostar has controlled since its inception in 1994.

Martin Jones, deputy director of access and international at the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), expressed enthusiasm about the move, emphasizing its significance in driving competition and growth in the international rail services market. However, Virgin still needs to secure rolling stock, access other rail networks, and obtain safety approvals before its services can commence.

While the Channel tunnel currently operates at around 50% capacity, previous rival bids have faced obstacles such as regulatory hurdles and limited station capacity. Travelers anticipate that increased competition could lead to lower ticket prices, surpassing the often higher fares of airline flights between Paris and London. Other companies, including Italy's Trenitalia, have also announced plans to introduce competing services through the Channel Tunnel by 2029. Eurostar reported transporting a record 20 million passengers last year.