Eurostar has called on potential rival operators to invest in new depot facilities to “unleash international rail growth” between the UK and continental Europe.
Several companies, including Virgin Group and Trenitalia owner FS Italiane Group, have unveiled plans to compete with Eurostar by offering high-speed rail services between the UK and mainland Europe.
Earlier this month, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), which regulates the UK’s railways, said that Eurostar’s existing London train depot at Temple Mills would be able to accommodate additional trains from rival operators “if required”.
But Eurostar said in an official response to the ORR report that there should be “a long-term plan for international rail, which considers the growth ambitions of all operators and encourages private investment in new depot facilities beyond Temple Mills”.
Eurostar said that the ORR’s report did not consider its own plans to spend €2 billion on buying up to 50 new trains, as well as “intensifying use of its current fleet to provide more services”.
The company emphasised that “a number of options alongside Temple Mills could be considered in Kent and East London and encourages other operators to invest in new facilities”.
Gareth Williams, Eurostar's general secretary, added: “We support competition and growth through international rail, but without serious investment in infrastructure to create more room, we risk not fulfilling the massive potential of sustainable European travel.
“This is an enormously positive problem to solve as the demand and the willing is there. Eurostar wants to help find solutions. What’s needed now is a big picture vision and investment by any operator who wishes in new depot facilities at Temple Mills and beyond.”