The Office of Rail and Road has said that Virgin can move ahead with its cross-channel train services and can plan to use Temple Mills International Depot.
Virgin will operate the trains using 12 Avelia Stream trains from Alstom.
The service is on track to launch in 2030, with services running from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels-Midi and Amsterdam Centraal. Virgin also has ambitions to expand across France and into Germany and Switzerland.
Virgin has also confirmed that if either Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International stations are reopened, then services will stop there.
Leading the project will be Phil Whittingham, who is a former Managing Director of Virgin Trains.
With this decision, the ORR has also rejected Evolyn, Gemini and Trenitalia’s plans.
“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.”
Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group
“Virgin and Alstom have a history of driving innovation and change in the rail industry, and delivering for passengers. We are thrilled to partner with Virgin once again for this exciting new venture. This collaboration not only strengthens our longstanding relationship but also reinforces our shared commitment to sustainability, customer experience and technological excellence.”
Andrew DeLeone, Alstom Europe Region President
“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.”
Martin Jones, Deputy Director, Access and International
Responses
A lack of available Border Control Staff and scanning equipment are the problems.
Many years ago air direct travel from Bembridge on the Isle of Wight to Jersey was made difficult by insufficient Border Control Staff, (who complained that they had to travel from the mainland to the Island especially for these flights) resulting in the aircraft had to go via Southampton. The distance from Bembridge to Southampton is a blink of the eye.
Kent County Council thinks that this will automatically reopen the international platforms at Ashford, but this will happen only if Networ, Rail carries out infrastructure modifications that would allow C.ass 374 and other Berne Gauge trains to access the station at Ashford.