Following the news that the Office of Rail and Road has approved Virgin Trains’ application to begin utilising Temple Mills International Depot; a number of government officials and industry figureheads have offered their support of the regulator’s decision.
The decision will allow Virgin Trains to move forward with a proposed plan to begin operating cross-channel services from London St. Pancras, with service anticipated to begin in 2030.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:I am incredibly pleased on the ORR’s decision to open up spare capacity at Temple Mills depot, which marks a significant step towards growth and a more competitive international rail market.
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.
While this decision is an important first step, we recognise there is significant interest in this and depot capacity should not be a barrier to greater competition and growth.
We are therefore exploring plans to establish new depot capacity in the UK, supported by private investment, to meet the needs of the market and will set out further plans in due course.
We will also continue to champion the reopening Ashford and Ebbsfleet International stations as a priority to restore full connectivity, support tourism and boost growth across the region.
Jason Geall, Executive Vice President of SME, at American Express Global Business Travel, said:The Channel Tunnel is a critical business travel corridor connecting the UK and European economies, so today’s announcement is welcome news.
Evidence from other countries shows that increased rail competition drives better service quality and more competitive pricing for travelers. Eurostar currently makes up almost three quarters (74%) of business travel trips between the UK and France and one in five (21%) between the UK and Belgium - underlining the business value of Channel Tunnel link.
Opening the Channel Tunnel to additional operators will help make rail an even more attractive option for business travelers on this vital route. This could unlock significant benefits, including increased sustainability gains through shifts from air to rail, productivity improvements as business travelers can work effectively while in transit, and enhanced connectivity that supports both UK and EU economic growth.
We look forward to working with all operators serving this route to ensure that business travelers have access to the convenient, reliable, and competitively priced services they need.
Calvin Bailey MBE, Member of Parliament for Leyton and Wanstead, said:This decision must act as a green light for growth, seizing the exciting national opportunity that cross-Channel rail represents.
There is the potential for hundreds more skilled jobs at the Temple Mills depot alone, and I welcome the commitments that Eurostar and Virgin have made on this. I will keep doing all I can to deliver this critical economic agenda.
