Virgin Trains wins key UK rail authority approval for Channel Tunnel

Rejecting applications of other potential bidders

ORR set out its decision to approve Virgin Trains’ application. However, it rejected applications from Evolyn, Gemini and Trenitalia, in its decision letter. Meanwhile, this does not mark the end for other competitors but it will make their way into the UK more challenging.

Trenitalia, alone or in alliance with Evolyn, Gemini Trains with Uber as their commercial brand will therefore have to revise their plans, as the British government has not made a decision regarding the construction of a second maintenance workshop around London.

Informed by independent analysis, and having also considered Eurostar’s growth plans, the regulator considers that Virgin Trains has the strongest prospects of making the best use of capacity at Temple Mills.

Overall, Virgin Trains’ plans were more financially and operationally robust than those of other applicants. The company provided clear evidence of investor backing and an agreement in principle to deliver the necessary and appropriate rolling stock.

ORR carefully weighed its legal duties to reach this decision, including considering the views of stakeholders and the economic benefits of the plans.

Many stakeholders wrote to ORR to welcome the prospect of competition on the High Speed 1 line, which is expected to increase choice for passengers. Many also wrote concerning the reopening of stations in Kent.

The next step for Virgin Trains

ORR’s decision today however strictly concerns access to Temple Mills; it does not, and ORR cannot, require Virgin Trains to run specific services or stop them from changing what destinations they plan to serve.

There are a number of steps before new international services will be able to run. Virgin Trains will now need to enter into a commercial agreement with Eurostar, as the operator of Temple Mills. The company must secure finance, access to track and stations, and safety approvals from ORR and the relevant authorities in the EU.

Martin Jones, Deputy Director, Access and International, said: “With this decision we are backing customer choice and competition in international rail, unlocking up to £700mn in private sector investment and stimulating growth. While there is still some way to go before the first new services can run, we stand ready to work with Virgin Trains as their plans develop.”

Virgin Trains plans to begin running services in 2030. The company aims to launch cross-Channel routes from London St-Pancras to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam initially, with southern France, Germany, and Switzerland being future expansion options. It should operate a fleet of 12 TGV models.