VIRGIN Trains has been given the green light to launch European train services from the UK.
The operator will run routes from London to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam.
The announcement comes as the Office of Rail and Road pre-approved the outline for track access via St Pancras and HS1, right up to the entrance of the Channel Tunnel.
This access would contribute to Virgin Trains operating 20 daily return services between the UK’s capital and the three European cities.
The agreement for services will be from October 1, 2030 to December 31, 2040.
Next, Virgin Trains and London St Pancras High Speed will look to make an agreement on services by September 4.
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Then Virgin Trains will need to purchase trains, gain access to other rail networks and make sure safety measures are met.
The operator then hopes to get services up and running in 2030.
While there are no announcements on prices, the launch could see cheaper tickets what with more competition.
Martin Jones, deputy director, access & international, said: “This is an important next step in bringing competition and growth to the market for international rail services, and we welcome the progress Virgin Trains and London St Pancras High Speed have made.
“While there is still more work to do, we are supporting Virgin and the wider industry to grow international services.”
Back in October, the Office of Rail and Road approved Virgin Trains’ application for access to Temple Mills International depot – which will help them to launch international services.
Other operators’ applications including Evolyn, Gemini and Trenitalia, were rejected.
At the time, Jones said: “With this decision we are backing customer choice and competition in international rail, unlocking up to £700million in private sector investment and stimulating growth.
“While there is still some way to go before the first new services can run, we stand ready to work with Virgin Trains as their plans develop.”