Virgin takes step towards running Channel Tunnel rail services
Firm wants to run up to 20 daily journeys to Europe but it must get additional approval for overseas tracks.
Virgin's plans to introduce rail services between London and Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam have advanced after the UK's Office of Rail and Road (ORR) granted track access. The ORR has granted Virgin the right to operate up to 20 daily return services through the Channel Tunnel, with the agreement set to run from October 1, 2030, to December 31, 2040.
The ORR described this as a significant step forward in introducing competition on the route, which has been dominated by Eurostar since the tunnel's opening in 1994. However, Virgin still needs to secure rolling stock and safety approval from UK and EU authorities, as well as access to mainland European rail networks. The ORR's deputy director of access and international, Martin Jones, highlighted the importance of this step in bringing competition and growth to the market for international rail services.
Virgin plans to purchase 12 high-speed trains from Alstom to operate on the route. Eurostar acknowledged the potential for growth in international rail and the industry's ambition to bring more passengers to Europe by train, but emphasized that its focus remains on its own ambitious plans and the delivery of 30 million passengers annually.
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