Stratford International to host new daily international trains after regulator approval
Mayor backs the plan, the drivers’ union supports it and City Hall seeks a Business Rate Retention Zone to fund the infrastructure.
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The Office of Rail and Road granted approval for Virgin to operate up to 20 new daily return services through the Channel Tunnel between 1 Oct 2030 and 31 Dec 2040. The regulator’s decision was reported by The Standard. At the same time, the Aslef train drivers’ union announced public support for a proposal that those services would also stop at Stratford International station in East London.
Union backing and political endorsement
Stratford International rail stop plan advances with new funding application
Mayor of London seeks Business Rate Retention Zone to support potential cross-Channel services.
Aslef issued a statement welcoming the idea of a second London stop for international trains. The union said the move would expand rail capacity and could bring climate benefits. The Standard quoted the union as saying, “Excellent to see this from the Mayor of London. It’s essential we invest in international rail links.”
“The data shows that bringing international services to Stratford would bring in an additional £1.3bn in tourist spending for the UK.”
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
Mayor Sadiq Khan echoed the union’s view, describing the proposal as “almost over the line”. He told The Standard that the additional tourist spend would boost the local economy and help meet climate goals. The mayor’s comments link the rail plan to broader economic strategy for East London.
Virgin plans 2030 cross-Channel rail launch
New trains ordered from Alstom will be maintained at Temple Mills depot, with track access confirmed until 2040.
Funding through a Business Rate Retention Zone
City Hall has submitted an application for a Business Rate Retention Zone covering the Stratford area. The Standard reported that the BRRZ would aim to support delivery of the infrastructure needed for the new international services. If approved, the zone would allow local businesses to retain a portion of their business rates to fund transport improvements.
Next steps and timeline
With regulator approval secured, Virgin will need to finalise rolling stock orders and secure track access at Stratford. The Business Rate Retention Zone application will be examined by the Greater London Authority and the Department for Business and Trade. If the application succeeds, funding could be available before construction begins in 2025. Residents can expect planning consultations on station upgrades and surrounding transport links during 2024.
Questions this report answers
+What new services has the regulator approved?
The Office of Rail and Road approved Virgin to run up to 20 new daily return international services through the Channel Tunnel from 1 Oct 2030 to 31 Dec 2040. The approval covers routes to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam and uses tracks owned by London St Pancras High Speed.
+How much extra tourist spending could the Stratford stop generate?
Mayor Sadiq Khan said the data indicates that adding international services at Stratford International could bring an additional £1.3 billion in tourist spending to the United Kingdom. The figure is intended to illustrate the economic boost expected from easier access for overseas visitors.
+What is the purpose of the Business Rate Retention Zone application?
City Hall has applied for a Business Rate Retention Zone in the Stratford area to capture a share of local business rates. The retained revenue would be earmarked for the rail infrastructure needed to support the new international services, including station upgrades and connectivity works.
+When will the new international trains start running?
The approved timetable sets the start date for the new Virgin services at 1 Oct 2030. The operating period runs until 31 Dec 2040, giving a ten‑year window for the additional daily return trains to operate through the Channel Tunnel.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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