Eurostar calls on rivals to invest in depot facilities

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…