Virgin Trains took an interesting step in the direction of providing high quality rail services across the Channel Tunnel. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has finally approved their plan to share a depot with Eurostar. The ruling represents a significant reorientation in the international competition for cross-Channel passenger rail services. Companies including Virgin Trains, Evolyn, and the Gemini Trains / Uber partnership are all interested in running more trains between London and the Continental mainland.
That announcement from the ORR was delivered by Martin Jones, the regulatory body’s deputy director of Access and International. Freight loading gauge of Temple Mills rail depot, east London, the UK’s only depot that can accommodate larger trains used in continental Europe. This facility will be a shared maintenance hub for both Virgin Trains and Eurostar. This site is already connected to the cross-Channel Eurostar line, making it easier to expand new and exciting services.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said the ORR’s confirmation of funding was “incredibly pleasing.” That’s how important this development is, as he underscored the importance of making this fundamental shift. He touted it as “a major breakthrough” for competition in the freight rail industry.
Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, voiced his support for the outcome, asserting that it 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.”
The change comes as a reaction to the growing demand for different types of rail services. This demand is especially pronounced on the route between London and mainland Europe. The competitive landscape The promise of much greater competition should result in improved consumer choice and value for passengers.
“Allowing Virgin Trains to share this vital facility will give passengers greater choice, better value and improve connectivity for millions, as well as drive innovation, lower fares and promote greener connections with Europe.” – Lord Hendy
Virgin Trains is positioning itself to rollout to take expansion with its new services. The firm is focused on pulling returns from its new investments in the growing fleet, advancing job creation and improvements to depot facilities.
“Our priority is to deliver for passengers the benefits of the investments in a new fleet, jobs, and depot facilities that we recently announced,” – Eurostar spokesperson
There’s a long way to go before these new services can launch. Luckily for Virgin Trains, Martin Jones of the ORR seems willing to help as their plans develop.