The door has been opened for rivals to start competing with Eurostar with high speed Channel Tunnel services.
The rail regulator has ruled that Eurostar’s north London maintenance depot would be able to accommodate additional trains “if required”.
The statement from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) followed an indecent report commissioned to investigate capacity at the Temple Mills facility.
The report was commissioned by ORR following growing interest in providing extra services between London St Pancras and continental Europe.
Three challengers to Eurostar’s long-held monopoly on passenger services between London and the continent have emerged – Virgin Trains, start-up Gemini Trains and Evolyn, part of the Spanish Cosmen family, the largest shareholders in the National Express group Mobico.
However, access to a suitable depot close to London for maintenance and storage has been cited by industry as a critical requirement for more operators to take on the route, according to the regulator.
The ORR noted that changes to operational and maintenance arrangements at the depot, as well as possible alterations to infrastructure, would be required to access extra capacity and allow more trains to be maintained there.
“Following publication of the report, stakeholders are now being asked to provide evidence that they believe would support or change ORR’s initial findings,” a statement said.
A deadline of April 28 has been set for evidence to be submitted. The ORR’s final conclusions will be published after the regulator has considered the responses.
Eurostar argued that the study confirmed that the Temple Mills depot is “effectively almost full” for major maintenance work and would require investment to meet the growing demands of international rail.
The company added: “The options presented in the report could help create some capacity, but this would not be enough to accommodate the stated ambitions of any single operator.
“This includes the three organisations who have applied to the regulator and the needs of Eurostar itself.”
It called for the conversation to now to move beyond the “inadequate space” within the existing depot to look at the bigger picture.
“Capacity constraints have always been a challenge – whether in stations, at the borders or on-board trains. For 30 years, Eurostar has successfully found new solutions, working closely with stakeholders, and always with our customers in mind.
“Demand for international rail and sustainable travel is at an all-time high, which is a hugely positive story for European connections and the planet. Eurostar is once again accelerating sustainable growth by aiming to reach 30 million passengers and will invest close to €2 billion in up to 50 new trains for customers to enjoy.
“Eurostar is willing to invest once again in new maintenance capacity and in many other areas to help deliver our ambitious growth plans.
“Other operators should consider investing in the system as well.”
“We welcome the opportunity for discussion with government and the regulator to create an ambitious framework to unlock this private investment and deliver the economic growth, stronger connections and sustainable contribution which this historic moment for international rail travel promises to deliver.”
Virgin Group said in a statement reported by The Times: “Finally a green signal for competition. The Temple Mills depot is the only facility in the UK which can accommodate European-style trains and claims suggesting it was at capacity have been blocking Virgin from coming to the line. Virgin is therefore very pleased with the outcome.”
The findings would “unlock competition for the benefit of all passengers”, Virgin said.
“There are no more major hurdles to overcome and Virgin is ready to take up the challenge. We expect to be able to make an announcement very soon.”