The Office of Rail and Road, the rail regulator, has pre-approved a new framework track access agreement between HS1 Limited, trading as London St. Pancras High Speed, and Virgin Trains, officially VTE OPCO Limited.
The agreement will allow Virgin Trains to operate up to 20 new daily return services between London and Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam from Oct. 1, 2030, to Dec. 31, 2040.
The agreement is a significant step forward in bringing competition to the market for international rail services, supporting economic growth and providing significant benefits for passengers traveling between London and continental Europe.
Virgin Trains and London St Pancras High Speed may now enter into the agreement by Sept. 4.
However, there are several steps before the new services can run. Virgin Trains must also procure rolling stock, secure access to other rail networks, and obtain safety approvals from ORR and the relevant EU authorities.
Virgin Trains plans to begin running services in 2030.
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