When will FS Group launch new trains to the UK?

FS Group hopes to launch its new train services through the Channel Tunnel to the UK by 2029.

What is Virgin Trains' plan for European routes?

Virgin Trains intends to begin services from London to Europe starting in 2030, with routes planned to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

Who currently holds a monopoly on UK-Europe train services?

Eurostar has held a monopoly on UK-Europe high-speed rail services for the past 31 years.

Home / Business and Economy / New UK-Europe Trains Challenge Eurostar Dominance

New UK-Europe Trains Challenge Eurostar Dominance

1 Jan

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Summary

FS Group plans new UK-Europe train routes by 2029.
Virgin Trains aims for European services starting 2030.
Both companies seek to end Eurostar's 31-year monopoly.

New UK-Europe Trains Challenge Eurostar Dominance

Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS Group) has announced ambitions to operate train services through the Channel Tunnel to the UK, targeting a 2029 launch. This strategic expansion, bolstered by investment from the American private equity firm Certares, aims to introduce a new competitor to the European rail market. FS Group intends to base its Channel Tunnel fleet at a new facility in France, circumventing the need for the Temple Mills depot in London.

This development positions FS Group to potentially begin services before Virgin Trains, which has also secured access to the Temple Mills depot and plans to launch its European routes from 2030. Virgin's upcoming services are slated to connect London to Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam, with further expansions into Germany and Switzerland also under consideration. Virgin has ordered new Avelia Stream trains, potentially utilizing stations in Kent if they are reopened.

The Office of Rail and Road's allocation of spare capacity at Temple Mills has been a key factor in these plans. Sir Richard Branson has expressed enthusiasm for Virgin's new venture, aiming to 'shake-up the cross-Channel route' and end the 30-year monopoly held by Eurostar. Both companies are set to bring significant competition to cross-border rail travel.