Virgin set to propose new cross-channel service

[Sorcerer]

I expect that Virgin will actually have a VTEC or Brightline style arrangement where they serve as investors into the consortium in exchange for branding and some executive power on the board of directors, but don't actually take part in daily operations. Branson and Virgin are pretty much a brand more than a company these days aside from Virgin Atlantic (which they were also prepared to take a minority share in before the Air France-KLM deal was off). That said I don't really see Eurostar competitors emerging in the foreseeable future anyway.

 

[FormerBritInMe]

I expect that Virgin will actually have a VTEC or Brightline style arrangement where they serve as investors into the consortium in exchange for branding and some executive power on the board of directors, but don't actually take part in daily operations. Branson and Virgin are pretty much a brand more than a company these days aside from Virgin Atlantic (which they were also prepared to take a minority share in before the Air France-KLM deal was off). That said I don't really see Eurostar competitors emerging in the foreseeable future anyway.

That did not work out well for Brightline as allegedly the expected investment did not materialize so they unilaterally cancelled the agreement in 2020. Virgin subsequently sued Brightline for breach of contract and won resulting in a $115 million damages payment to Virgin. A bit of a fiasco for an otherwise generally well run Brightline operation.

 

[nwales58]

Would anyone have an idea on the timescale for this? Currently live in Dover and work outside St. Pancras but the travel time to Calais via the tunnel is 10-15 mins quicker. Have been waiting for Eurostar to reopen Calais operations but this gives me some hope I can move soon.

Years. If ever.

 

[Sorcerer]

That did not work out well for Brightline as allegedly the expected investment did not materialize so they unilaterally cancelled the agreement in 2020. Virgin subsequently sued Brightline for breach of contract and won resulting in a $115 million damages payment to Virgin. A bit of a fiasco for an otherwise generally well run Brightline operation.

Indeed it didn't. I was more thinking that it would be an operation by other companies with Virgin acting as an investor as part of a branding deal. At most Virgin will take around 10-20% I reckon. Shame the Brightline deal didn't work out though cause it's definitely a well run operation for what it is. But of course cross-channel train operations come with their own hurdles that Branson might want more assurances on before taking the risk.