Virgin’s Richard Branson will reportedly be next to challenge Eurostar’s 30-year monopoly on cross-Channel trains.
Eurostar could face a new rivalry on its cross-Channel rail route.
Just last month, new rail operator Evolyn has announced its intention to purchase a fleet of trains to serve the London-Paris line.
Now even Sir Richard Branson, the billionaire founder of the Virgin group, could challenge the monopoly of Eurostar, a British newspaper The telegraph relationships.
The project would see the British tycoon return to the UK rail sector. Virgin Trains stopped operating in 2019 after more than 22 years.
Former company boss Phil Whittingham – until last year, managing director of Avanti West Coast trains – will reportedly lead the new venture.
Although the project is still in its early stages, it aims to serve routes from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, according to The Telegraph.
Why is Eurostar’s monopoly on trains suddenly being called into question?
The recent wave of challengers to Eurostar’s monopoly comes after the EU liberalized its railway network. Countries are now required to open their high-speed rail networks to foreign bidders, which has led to new companies entering the market and the emergence of new rail routes.
Evolyn, a Spanish-owned company with mystery investors, aims to launch in 2025. It would be the first time Eurostar has faced competition across the Channel in its 30 year history.
Last month, the company announced plans to purchase 12 trains from French multinational Alstom.
How could new cross-Channel operators change rail travel in the UK?
Eurostar recently announced that it will no longer serve Ashford or Ebbsfleet stations in Kent, south-east England. Its trains have not run at stations since March 2020, when COVID-19 travel restrictions were introduced.
It’s London Amsterdam the service is also at risk due to the ongoing renovation work at Amsterdam Central Station. The route could be suspended for almost a year in 2024.
It is hoped that the new operators will be able to reintegrate internationally train services in Kent and help reduce train fares on cross-Channel routes.
Getlink, the French operator of the Channel Tunnel, says the infrastructure is designed for almost double the current level of rail traffic. The tunnel operates on an “open access” basis, granting equal right of access to any rail operator traveling between the UK and European networks.
Virgin Group has not confirmed the rumors new train service. Euronews Travel has reached out for comment.
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