A Kent MP has welcomed Virgin Trains’ latest announcement as it edges closer to rivalling Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel.
Since the Covid pandemic, demand for cross-Channel travel has swelled and Eurostar has enjoyed strong demand for its rail services between the UK and France.
However, the cost of boarding such trains compared to low-cost airfare is still seen as prohibitive, reigniting calls for more competition on the rail network.
Several operators, including FS Italiane Group and Evolyn, have floated proposals to provide competition to Eurostar throughout the year, which has held a monopoly since 1994.
Another potential rival has been Virgin Trains, which, five months after declaring it had “no more major hurdles to overcome”, says it has now signed a deal with Alstom for 12 Avelia Stream trains.
Although the firm is yet to confirm whether it would stop in the county again, Ashford MP Sojan Joseph (Lab) told KentOnline it is a step in the right direction.
He explained: “It’s of course very welcome news.
“Any competition to Eurostar’s monopoly will improve the standard of travel for passengers.
“I really hope Virgin recognise the huge commercial advantages of reinstating European travel to Ashford International.
“I will work with them, the government, and any other potential operators to help make it happen.”
In a submission to the UK’s Office of Rail and Road (ORR), Virgin has requested the ability to run services on HS1, the high-speed line which runs from London’s St Pancras International and through the Channel Tunnel.
Information reveals Virgin has “secured binding exclusivity” with the French train manufacturer.
Virgin wrote in its submission to the ORR that it wants to launch services in 2030 with trains running from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, with destinations across France, Germany and Switzerland also earmarked.
Business tycoon Richard Branson noted he hopes to “end a 30-year monopoly” and bring competition to cross-Channel rail.
The announcement comes almost five-and-a-half years after Eurostar pulled its services from Ebbsfleet and Ashford in 2020, forcing Kent residents to travel to St Pancras to access the service.
Bosses at Alstom say they are excited about the partnership.
A spokesperson told The Independent: “With over 2,900 high-speed Avelia trains delivered globally and a proven track record in Channel Tunnel operations, Alstom is thrilled to support Virgin’s submission to the Office of Rail and Road.
“We eagerly await the ORR decision and look forward to finalising our contract with Virgin.”
Meanwhile, a Virgin Group spokesperson added: “Virgin’s recent submission to the Office of Rail and Road demonstrates that Virgin is confident, committed and capable of delivering for consumers on the cross-Channel route.
“We look forward to the ORR decision in October.”
