"Access to Temple Mills is an important first step towards being able to operate cross-border train services using the Channel Tunnel. "This decision unlocks plans for around 700 million [795m] of investment in new services and the creation of 400 new jobs, in a win for passengers, customer choice, and economic growth. Virgin Trains can now be confident it will have access to the light maintenance facilities it needs to run its planned international services."
"The UK-based Virgin Trains had previously announced that if its bid to use Temple Mills was successful, it would purchase 12 high-speed trains from the French manufacturer Alstom, with the intention of running London-Paris services from 2030. There are, however, still several steps to be completed for Virgin, including securing financing and rolling stock, finalising the details of access to St Pancras and Gare du Nord stations and getting the necessary safety certification to run trains through the Channel Tunnel."
The Office of Rail and Road approved Virgin Trains' application for access to Temple Mills International depot, enabling light maintenance for planned international services. Access to Temple Mills unlocks an estimated £700 million of investment and the creation of 400 jobs. The ORR rejected rival bids from Evolyn, Gemini Trains, and Trenitalia. Virgin plans to buy 12 Alstom high-speed trains and aims to run London–Paris services from 2030. Remaining steps include securing financing and rolling stock, finalising St Pancras and Gare du Nord access, and obtaining Channel Tunnel safety certification. The small train order means most cross-Channel services would remain with Eurostar.
Read at www.thelocal.fr
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