Kent Cross-Channel Rail: Eurostar Monopoly Challenge & Future

Introduction

Kent County Council, Medway Council, and Ashford and Dartford borough councils have signed an agreement urging regulators to end the Eurostar monopoly and back rival operators to restore cross-Channel trains to Ashford and Ebbsfleet, which have been without service since 2020.

Main Content

Agreement for Service Restoration

Leaders from Kent County Council, Medway Council, and Ashford and Dartford borough councils have signed a formal agreement advocating for the return of international rail services to Kent. The memorandum of understanding aims to put pressure on the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to allow new operators into the cross-Channel market.

Background on Service Suspension

Eurostar has not served Ashford or Ebbsfleet International stations since 2020, following a steep fall in passengers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Potential New Operators and Infrastructure Access

Several competitors, including Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, Gemini Trains, and a partnership between Italy’s FS Italiane and Spain’s Evolyn, are seeking to reintroduce services. To proceed, new entrants would need access to the Temple Mills International Depot in Leyton, London, which is currently operated exclusively. The ORR is expected to decide on access for competing operators to this depot.

Economic and Political Support

Support for reopening Kent’s international stations has also come from French politicians and business leaders, alongside a 75,000-signature petition. Forecasts by the Good Growth Foundation suggest restoring services could generate up to 493,000 new visitors, £315 million in spending, and as much as £2.67 billion for the UK economy over five years.

Eurostar’s Position

Despite the growing pressure, Eurostar has ruled out reopening Kent’s international stations before 2026. A spokesperson said the company would keep the situation under review but confirmed: Ashford and Ebbsfleet will remain closed throughout 2025. Eurostar acknowledged the frustration this causes for communities but stressed it is “closely monitoring the situation” and would provide updates if circumstances change.

Conclusion

Kent leaders have signed an agreement urging regulators to end the Eurostar monopoly and support rival operators to restore cross-Channel trains to Ashford and Ebbsfleet. Eurostar has not served these stations since 2020 and has stated that they will remain closed throughout 2025.

Company Summary

Eurostar: Operates international high-speed passenger train services.

Virgin Group: A multinational venture capital conglomerate founded by Richard Branson.

FS Italiane: Italy’s state-owned national railway company.