Virgin Trains vs Eurostar: what does the future of Channel Tunnel rail look like?

Virgin Trains Will soon be able to run passenger services Through the Channel Tunnel, challenging eurostarDecades long monopoly.

According to the regulator Office of Rail and Road (ORR), Sir Richard Branson’s company will be able to operate from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.

Eurostar has operated exclusively passenger trains in the Channel Tunnel since its establishment in 1994. But the government’s decision means Virgin can use East London train depot Temple Mills for maintenance and storage of its trains. have access Critical to the operation of cross-channel routes,

The move is set to bring better services and lower fares on trains across the continent – ​​but not until 2030.

Sir Richard said: “It’s time to end this 30-year-old monopoly. We’re going to change the cross-Channel route for good and give consumers the choice they deserve.”

But other claimants for the right to run trains through the tunnel are sorely disappointed.

This news comes just days after Eurostar’s announcement €2 billion (£1.7 billion) investment in new double-decker trains,

Here’s everything you need to know about the Virgin Trains Channel Tunnel route.

What’s happening with Channel Tunnel Rail?

Eurostar has had a monopoly on passenger trains throughout the Channel Tunnel’s 32-year history. While fares are as low as £39 each way on Eurostar, prices increase closer to departure time.

Anyone wanting to travel from London St Pancras to Paris tomorrow will have to pay a minimum of £219 on Eurostar, while £87 on easyJet. The 150 per cent premium reflects the dominant market position held by Eurostar – as well as the appeal of city center to city center links with large free baggage allowances.

Jason Geil of American Express Business Travel says: “Eurostar currently serves about three-quarters of business trips between the UK and France.”

Competition on high-speed rail networks in Spain and Italy has proven extremely effective in improving services and reducing fares.

There is substantial spare capacity both on the High Speed ​​One line from London to Kent and through the Channel Tunnel. Infrastructure owners are very keen to get new entrants.

Rail companies are struggling to compete with Eurostar. But there is one important limiting factor: space for stabilization and maintenance of trains. Temple Mills International Depot (TMI) in East London is the UK’s only suitable location, and given Eurostar’s current operations it has limited space.

Orr says only one contender can use TMI, along with Eurostar.

Who can operate trains through the Channel Tunnel?

The beauty pageant included:

In her decision letter, Stephanie Tobin – director of the ORR – says: “We have placed particular importance on our duties to promote competition and the use of the railway network.”

she says Virgin Trains “The confidence level of being operationally viable is the highest. Its plans are more detailed, and it has provided clear evidence of an exclusive agreement to deliver the rolling stock needed by 2030.”

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy says: “Allowing Virgin Trains to share this vital facility will give passengers more choice, better value and improve connectivity for millions of people, as well as spur innovation, lower fares and boost green connections with Europe.”

Why will Virgin Trains have to wait until 2030 to operate in the Channel Tunnel?

New trains need to be manufactured, certified and tested. Virgin has ordered 12 Avellia Stream trains from manufacturer Alstom. The funding is coming from Equitix, an infrastructure investor, and Azzurra Capital, a private equity firm.

Virgin Group chief executive Josh Bayliss said: “Together, this consortium will create a new business that will do what Virgin does best – disrupt and challenge the status quo.”

Will Virgin Trains compete directly with Eurostar?

Yes. Initially, London-Paris will be served, followed by increasingly rapid links to Brussels and Amsterdam. Virgin Trains also says it could expand to Germany and Switzerland. Eurostar already plans to offer services to Cologne, Frankfurt and Geneva.

In the last few years, Eurostar stops running trains from London to Calais, Disneyland ParisBourg-Saint-Maurice, Lyon, Avignon and Marseille. Virgin Trains may resume services to one or more of these stations (notably Calais, which is on the main line), but for starters, it will be strictly inter-capital.

Can Kent stations reopen?

Ebbsfleet International, good for the M25, and Ashford International – with good rail connections to Kent, Surrey and Sussex – were both served by Eurostar before the Covid pandemic.

While the cross-Channel passenger rail operator has been thriving for the past few years, Kent station remains in disrepairThe decision to leave the EU and become subject to the entry-exit system has sharply increased the complexity and cost of the French border operations required for passengers departing to the continent.

Virgin Trains says: “If Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International stations in Kent are reopened, Virgin will stop there, and it is working with Kent County Council and other local stakeholders to explore how to do this.”

Lord Hendy says: “We will continue to support the reopening of Ashford and Ebbsfleet international stations as a priority to restore full connectivity, support tourism and boost growth across the region.”

How will Eurostar respond to Virgin Trains?

It is planning new, improved, double-decker trains. Chief executive Gwendoline Cazenave says: “Customers can expect a very special new train with Eurostar Celestia, which will offer exceptional comfort, a unique Eurostar experience and new surprises to come.

“This is a golden age for international sustainable travel – and Eurostar is leading the race.”

Is there a possibility of any more competition?

That’s the hope of the Rail Minister, who says: “While this decision is an important first step, we recognize there is significant interest, and depot capacity should not hinder greater competition and growth.

“We are therefore exploring plans to establish new depot capacity in the UK, supported by private investment, to meet market needs, and will set out further plans in due course.”

Read more: From railcards to reservations – how to fix Britain’s broken trains