Summary
Virgin Trains received approval to use a rail depot in London, allowing it to start services through the Channel Tunnel. This decision ends Eurostar's exclusive control of passenger services since the tunnel's opening in 1994.
Key Facts
- Virgin Trains won the bid to share a rail depot with Eurostar in London.
- This approval allows Virgin Trains to operate services through the Channel Tunnel.
- Eurostar's monopoly on passenger services in the Channel Tunnel will come to an end.
- The Temple Mills depot is the only UK facility for larger continental trains linked to the cross-Channel line.
- The UK's rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), approved Virgin’s application.
- Martin Jones from the ORR stated the decision supports customer choice and could unlock £700 million in private investment.
- Competing applications from Evolyn, Gemini, and Trenitalia were not approved.
