The agreement means Virgin Trains are permitted to run up to 20 new daily return services between London and Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam. Furthermore, the head-turning approval grants access to cross-border rail services between 1 October 2030 and 31 December 2040.
Following the announcement of Virgin Trains’ bid to run competitor services last year and the ORR’s approval for the group to use Temple Mills International rail depot in East London, founder Sir Richard Branson said, “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.”
Virgin’s plans are starting to take shape. Computer-generated images of the proposed trains have now been released, but the interiors remain under wraps. All we know so far is that the “pre-departure and onboard social spaces” will be inspired by Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouses, with the goal of “giving passengers more flexibility to work, relax or socialise in style.” The food and drink offering is expected to draw inspiration from Virgin Voyages, the group’s cruise line, and the overall design will remind travellers of Virgin Hotels.
