Virgin Trains set to compete with Eurostar as Richard Branson's company gets important green light

"Virgin Trains has had its application to share Eurostar's east London train depot approved by the Office of Rail and Road, paving the way for it to launch international services through the Channel Tunnel. Access to the depot is a critical requirement for an operator to launch Channel Tunnel services competing with Eurostar. Temple Mills is the only train depot that can be accessed from High Speed 1, the line that runs between London and the tunnel."

"Sir Richard 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.""

"The ORR rejected applications from Evolyn, Gemini Trains and Trenitalia to use the Temple Mills depot. Eurostar was also unsuccessful in seeking permission to use the site's spare capacity to grow. The ORR said: "Virgin Trains' plans were more financially and operationally robust than those of other applicants, and it provided clear evidence of investor backing and an agreement in principle to deliver the necessary and appropriate rolling stock.""

Virgin Trains has been approved by the Office of Rail and Road to share Eurostar's Temple Mills east London depot, enabling plans to launch international services through the Channel Tunnel. Temple Mills is the only depot accessible from High Speed 1, which links London to the tunnel. Eurostar held a passenger monopoly through the tunnel since 1994. Virgin Trains aims to begin competing services in 2030 but must secure further regulatory approvals for track access and safety. The tunnel operates at roughly 50% capacity and the ORR rejected other applicants while finding Virgin's plans financially and operationally robust.

Read at www.standard.co.uk