Virgin Rail Group

Amid the privatisation of British Rail during the mid 1990s, Virgin submitted multiple bids to operate several different train franchises, including Gatwick Express, InterCity CrossCountry and InterCity West Coast.[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/national-express-wins-gatwick-rail-franchise-1303118.html "National Express wins Gatwick rail franchise"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225180748/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/national-express-wins-gatwick-rail-franchise-1303118.html |date=25 December 2018 }} The Independent 4 April 1996 It was successful in winning the latter two, leading to Virgin CrossCountry and Virgin West Coast commencing operations in January and March 1997 respectively.[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/virgin-to-run-crosscountry-trains-1352306.html "Virgin to run CrossCountry trains"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055841/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/virgin-to-run-crosscountry-trains-1352306.html |date=7 November 2017 }} The Independent 14 November 1996{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/virgin-pledges-tilt-trains-for-west-coast-1286084.html |title=Virgin pledges tilt trains for West Coast |first=Michael |last=Harrison |date=31 January 1997|work=The Independent |access-date=4 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820034655/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/virgin-pledges-tilt-trains-for-west-coast-1286084.html |archive-date=20 August 2017}} Both franchises were scheduled to run for 15 years.

One of Virgin's franchise commitments was to replace the British Rail-era locomotives and rolling stock inherited by Virgin West Coast with brand new tilting trains. Following negotiations with several manufacturers, Virgin placed an order with Alstom/Fiat Ferroviaria to produce the envisioned tilting train, which was known by the name Pendolino and was later designated under TOPS as the Class 390.{{cite web |url= http://www.samathieson.com/bigtrain.htm |publisher= Mathieson, SA |date= March 2002 |title= Full tilt: Virgin's 140mph Pendolino trains |access-date=13 May 2011 |archive-date=27 September 2013 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130927124004/http://www.samathieson.com/bigtrain.htm }} It was expected that the Pendolinos would run at service speeds of up to {{cvt|140|mph|0|abbr=on}} and that the whole fleet would be delivered by May 2002.{{cite magazine |last=Knight |first=Stephen |url=https://railm.blob.core.windows.net/website/1/rail-archive/rail-345.pdf |title=Virgin's first West Coast tilt train 'on test by July 2000' |magazine=Rail |publisher=EMAP Apex Publications |issn=0953-4563 |oclc=49953699 |date=2 December 1998 |issue=345 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520054904/https://railm.blob.core.windows.net/website/1/rail-archive/rail-345.pdf |archive-date=20 May 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=13 November 2011 }} The service introduction of the Pendolino was repeatedly delayed, a fact which has been attributed to the poor project management and the collapse of infrastructure owner Railtrack.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/pendolino-to-attack-the-london-manchester-market.html |url-access=registration |title=Pendolino to attack the London - Manchester market |last=Hughes |first=Murray |magazine=Railway Gazette International |publisher=DVV Media Group |issn=0373-5346 |location=Sutton |date=1 February 2003 |access-date=13 November 2019 |archive-date=28 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728172847/https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/pendolino-to-attack-the-london-manchester-market.html |url-status=live }}

In order for tilting trains to be operated, Railtrack had committed itself to upgrading the West Coast Main Line as to permit 140 mph operation by 2005. However, the modernisation of the line suffered from spiralling costs, rising from an estimated £2 billion to roughly £10 billion,{{cite web |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/565507.stm |title = Repair costs spiral to £5bn |publisher = BBC News |date = 15 December 1999 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131110021245/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/565507.stm |archive-date = 10 November 2013 |df = dmy-all}} while the programme had failures that were technical as well as managerial, such as the moving block signalling apparatus being immature for such a busy mixed-traffic mainline.{{cite web |url = https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2004/apr/01/transport.uk |title = The main players in the £10bn rail fiasco |work = The Guardian |first = James |last = Meek |date = 1 April 2004 }}{{Cite web |title = The Modernisation of the West Coast Main Line |url = https://www.nao.org.uk/report/the-modernisation-of-the-west-coast-main-line/ |access-date = 21 July 2021 |website = National Audit Office |date = 22 November 2006 |language = en-gb |archive-date = 21 July 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210721150856/https://www.nao.org.uk/report/the-modernisation-of-the-west-coast-main-line/ |url-status = live}} Railtrack would ultimately collapse while its successor, Network Rail, would also be unable to fully deliver the promised upgrade, heavily impacting Virgin West Coast's operations.{{cite web |last = Christian |first = Wolmar |work = The Guardian |date = 16 July 2005 |url = https://www.theguardian.com/comment/story/0,3604,1529802,00.html |title = Forget Byers: the scandal was in the original sell-off: Railtrack was heading for disaster long before the Hatfield crash}}{{cite web |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmselect/cmtran/125/125ap10.htm |title=Supplementary memorandum by the Strategic Rail Authority |publisher=House of Commons |date=22 July 2002}} The upgrade programme would be cut back, as a result, the top speed was reduced to 125 mph.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1437012/West-Coast-railway-upgrade-under-threat.html |title=West Coast railway upgrade under threat |date=24 July 2003 |newspaper=The Telegraph |access-date=31 March 2020}} The Pendolino fleet was introduced into passenger services from {{stnlnk|Birmingham International}} to {{stnlnk|Manchester Piccadilly}} on 23 July 2002, coinciding with the opening of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/virgin-pendolino-starts.html |url-access=registration |title=Virgin Pendolino starts |magazine=Railway Gazette International |publisher=DVV Media Group |issn=0373-5346 |location=Sutton |date=1 September 2002 |archive-date=28 March 2017 |access-date=18 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328105354/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/virgin-pendolino-starts.html |url-status=live}}

In October 1998, Virgin Group sold 49% of the shares in Virgin Rail Group to the British transport company Stagecoach.{{cite web |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/188052.stm |title = Virgin passengers get 'better deal |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130303055502/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/188052.stm |archive-date = 3 March 2013 |publisher = BBC News |date = 7 October 1998}}

In March 2000, Virgin was shortlisted to bid for the InterCity East Coast franchise.{{cite web |url = http://www.investegate.co.uk/article.aspx?id=200003141002582018H |title = Six Companies Shortlisted for First Franchise Replacement Round |publisher = Shadow Strategic Rail Authority |date = 14 March 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016111542/http://www.investegate.co.uk/article.aspx?id=200003141002582018H |archive-date=16 October 2013 }}{{cite web |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/667373.stm |title = Virgin's 200 mph East Coast Vision |publisher = BBC News |date = 6 March 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022070218/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/667373.stm |archive-date=22 October 2013 }} During January 2002, the Strategic Rail Authority scrapped the refranchising process and awarded a two-year extension to GNER.{{cite web |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/1763438.stm |title = High-speed GNER trains scrapped |publisher = BBC News |date = 16 January 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130905143450/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/1763438.stm |archive-date=5 September 2013 }}

In the wake of the collapse of Railtrack and the inability of Network Rail to deliver on the {{convert|140|mph|sigfig=3|abbr=on}} West Coast Main Line upgrade, both the Virgin CrossCountry and Virgin West Coast franchises were suspended in favour of management contracts in July 2002.{{cite web |url = https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmselect/cmtran/125/125ap10.htm |title = Virgin Rail Group Interim Agreement |publisher = House of Commons Select Committee on Transport |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907213543/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmselect/cmtran/125/125ap10.htm |archive-date=7 September 2017 }}{{cite magazine |title = CrossCountry could be carved up as SRA rejects Virgin bid |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 494 |date = 18 August 2004 |page = 6}}{{cite magazine |title = CrossCountry network could be axed, fears Virgin |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1242 |date = October 2004 |page = 4}} While the terms of the West Coast franchise were renegotiated, agreement could not be reached on CrossCountry and it was retendered in 2007. While Virgin Trains did bid to retain the franchise, it was awarded to Arriva, thus the services operated by Virgin CrossCountry were transferred to CrossCountry on 11 November 2007.{{cite web |url = http://mediaroom.virgintrains.co.uk/2006/10/new-cross-country-franchise_1218.html |title = New Cross Country Franchise Specification Issued |publisher = Virgin Trains |date = 31 October 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904011531/http://mediaroom.virgintrains.co.uk/2006/10/new-cross-country-franchise_1218.html |archive-date=4 September 2011 }} {{cite web |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/franchises/ncc/winnernewcrosscounty |title = Department for Transport announces winner of New Cross Country franchise |publisher = Department for Transport |date = 10 July 2007 |access-date = 9 November 2012 |archive-date = 9 May 2011 |archive-url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110509101621/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/franchises/ncc/winnernewcrosscounty |url-status = bot: unknown }}

During 2004, Virgin was again shortlisted to bid for the InterCity East Coast franchise, but was ultimately unsuccessful; the franchise was instead won by Sea Containers, parent company of then train operator Great North Eastern Railway.{{cite web |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/gner-wins-second-franchise-term.html |title = GNER wins second franchise term |publisher = Railway Gazette International |date = 1 May 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004213205/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/gner-wins-second-franchise-term.html |archive-date=4 October 2013 }} After Sea Containers was stripped of the East Coast franchise due to poor financial management,{{Cite news |url=https://www.railmagazine.com/operations/franchises/from-poisoned-chalice-to-holy-grail |title=From poisoned chalice to Holy Grail? |date=7 January 2015 |work=Rail |publisher=Bauer Media Group |access-date=19 December 2020}} Virgin was again shortlisted for the InterCity East Coast franchise in February 2007, submitting a bid had a 10% shareholding by the incumbent, Sea Containers. However, this bid was not successful, as the franchise was won by National Express.{{cite web |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6378159.stm |title = Four in East Coast rail shortlist |publisher = BBC News |date = 20 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222081041/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6378159.stm |archive-date=22 February 2007 }}{{cite press release |url= http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/franchises/icecf1/nxecawardedcontract |publisher=Department for Transport |title=National Express awarded contract for growth on InterCity East Coast |access-date=14 August 2007 |date=14 August 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071219165508/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/franchises/icecf1/nxecawardedcontract |archive-date = 19 December 2007}}

During July 2008, Virgin was awarded a contract by the DfT to manage the introduction of 106 extra Class 390 Pendolino carriages.{{cite web |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/pendolinolengthening/ |title=Pendolino lengthening and fleet expansion project |date=28 March 2008 |publisher=Department for Transport |url-status=dead |via=The National Archives |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100408181313/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/pendolinolengthening/ |archive-date=8 April 2010 |access-date=13 November 2019 }}{{cite web |url = http://mediaroom.virgintrains.co.uk/2008_07_01_archive.html |title = Virgin Rail Group welcomes decision on longer Pendolino trains |publisher = Virgin Trains |date = 31 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021182213/http://mediaroom.virgintrains.co.uk/2008_07_01_archive.html |archive-date=21 October 2012 }} Virgin Trains made further enhancements to the Pendolino fleet,{{cite press release |url=https://www.virgintrains.co.uk/about/media-room#/pressreleases/we-re-looking-to-build-on-the-retention-of-train-franchise-864723 |title=We're looking to build on the retention of train franchise |date=4 February 2013 |access-date=6 April 2013 |publisher=Virgin Trains |archive-date=17 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617031356/https://www.virgintrains.co.uk/about/media-room#/pressreleases/we-re-looking-to-build-on-the-retention-of-train-franchise-864723 |url-status=live }} perhaps most noticeable change was the 21 nine-car units each had one first class carriage converted to standard class.{{cite mailing list |title=Pendolino Coach G Conversions |publisher=Virgin Trains |mailing-list=The Red Letter |via=Newsweaver |date=15 June 2015 |url=https://virgintrains.newsweaver.com/newsletter/14vr9jthtbj?a=1&p=48878346&t=23808745 |access-date=13 November 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180328231214/https://virgintrains.newsweaver.com/newsletter/14vr9jthtbj?a=1&p=48878346&t=23808745 |archive-date=28 March 2018 }}{{cite press release |title=More Seats for Virgin Trains Pendolino Fleet |publisher=Virgin Trains |via=Mynewsdesk |date=10 April 2015 |url=http://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/virgintrains/pressreleases/more-seats-for-virgin-trains-pendolino-fleet-1141221 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328231734/http://www.mynewsdesk.com/uk/virgintrains/pressreleases/more-seats-for-virgin-trains-pendolino-fleet-1141221 |archive-date=28 March 2018 }}{{cite press release |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/better-journeys-for-passengers-on-the-west-coast-main-line |title=Better journeys for passengers on the West Coast Main Line |date=19 June 2014 |access-date=19 June 2014 |publisher=Department for Transport |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140706183131/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/better-journeys-for-passengers-on-the-west-coast-main-line |archive-date=6 July 2014 |via=gov.uk}}

Virgin was shortlisted for the InterCity West Coast franchise by the DfT in March 2011.{{cite web |url = http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/intercity-west-coast-franchise/franchisebidders.pdf |title = Shortlisted Bidders for Greater Anglia and InterCity West Coast Franchises |publisher = Department for Transport |date = 24 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606094818/http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/intercity-west-coast-franchise/franchisebidders.pdf |archive-date=6 June 2013 }} In August 2012, the Department awarded FirstGroup the new franchise.{{cite web |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20120815a/ |title = New operator for West Coast passengers |publisher = Department for Transport |date = 15 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031022300/http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20120815a/ |archive-date=31 October 2012 }} Virgin felt that the methodology used to award the franchise was flawed, and Richard Branson said it was unlikely Virgin would bid for any future franchises.{{cite web |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/9476519/Richard-Branson-attacks-Government-insanity-after-Virgin-Trains-loses-West-Coast-rail-contract.html |title = Richard Branson attacks Government 'insanity' after Virgin loses West Coast contract |publisher = The Daily Telegraph |date = 15 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901124554/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/9476519/Richard-Branson-attacks-Government-insanity-after-Virgin-Trains-loses-West-Coast-rail-contract.html |archive-date=1 September 2017 }}{{cite web |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19264614 |title = Virgin Trains loses West Coast Mainline franchise |publisher = BBC News |date = 15 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819211411/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19264614 |archive-date=19 August 2018 }} When the DfT did not respond to Virgin's concerns, it launched proceedings for a judicial review.{{cite web |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19402133 |title = Virgin Trains takes West Coast Main Line court action |publisher = BBC News |date = 28 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928103340/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19402133 |archive-date=28 September 2018 }} While preparing its case for the judicial review, the government discovered significant technical flaws in the way the franchise process had been conducted, and cancelled the competition, vindicating Virgin's protests.{{cite web |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20121003a |title = West Coast Main Line franchise competition cancelled |publisher = Department for Transport |date = 3 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010151357/http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20121003a/ |archive-date=10 October 2012 }}

In December 2012, Virgin was awarded a 23-month management contract to run the West Coast franchise until November 2014;{{cite web |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/9725897/Two-year-extension-for-Virgin-Rail-after-West-Coast-chaos.html |title = Two-year extension for Virgin Rail after West Coast chaos |publisher = The Daily Telegraph |date = 5 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225175411/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/9725897/Two-year-extension-for-Virgin-Rail-after-West-Coast-chaos.html |archive-date=25 December 2018 }} the contract was extended in stages until March 2020.{{Cite web |url=https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/SGC/13913897.html |title=Virgin Rail Group West Coast rail franchise |date=21 December 2018 |website=RNS – London Stock Exchange |access-date=25 December 2018 |archive-date=25 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225175705/https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/SGC/13913897.html |url-status=live}}

During May 2013, there was a controversy regarding new uniforms, with claims that the blouses were too revealing and potentially exposed dark bras to the public. Virgin Rail Group responded to this by offering a voucher worth £20 to allow employees to purchase a top to wear underneath the new blouses.{{cite web |title=Bra wars: Virgin Trains in row over see-through uniforms |url=https://www.aol.co.uk/2013/05/08/virgin-trains-staff-bra-vouchers-see-through-uniforms/ |publisher=AOL Travel UK |access-date=22 August 2013 |date=8 May 2013 |archive-date=19 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919211156/https://www.aol.co.uk/2013/05/08/virgin-trains-staff-bra-vouchers-see-through-uniforms/ |url-status=live}}

In November 2016, the government announced that the InterCity West Coast franchise would be replaced by the West Coast Partnership, which included operating High Speed 2 (HS2). Services were planned to begin on the first phase of HS2 in 2026.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37869643 New West Coast rail franchise to run HS2 services] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107060803/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37869643 |date=7 November 2016 }} BBC News 4 November 2016 The DfT requires that the new operator have experience in operating high speed trains (250 mph) and infrastructure.[https://www.thetimes.com/uk/transport/article/wanted-superfast-mover-to-partner-virgin-and-stagecoach-for-hs2-ds809b7f6 Wanted: Superfast mover to partner Virgin and Stagecoach for HS2] The Times 4 March 2017[http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/renfe-poised-to-join-virgins-hs2-franchise-bid.html RENFE poised to join Virgin's HS2 franchise bid] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413175509/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/renfe-poised-to-join-virgins-hs2-franchise-bid.html |date=13 April 2017 }} Railway Gazette International 12 March 2017 To satisfy this requirement, Stagecoach (50%) and Virgin (20%) bid in a joint venture with SNCF (30%).[http://www.stagecoach.com/media/news-releases/2017/2017-04-25.aspx Stagecoach and Virgin to join forces with SNCF for West Coast Partnership Bid] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427095924/http://www.stagecoach.com/media/news-releases/2017/2017-04-25.aspx |date=27 April 2017 }} Stagecoach 25 July 2017[http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/stagecoach-and-sncf-lead-virgin-branded-bid-for-hs2-operations.html Stagecoach and SNCF lead Virgin-branded bid for HS2 operations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425162718/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/stagecoach-and-sncf-lead-virgin-branded-bid-for-hs2-operations.html |date=25 April 2017 }} Railway Gazette International 25 July 2017 In April 2019, Stagecoach revealed that it had been disqualified from the franchises it was bidding for, including the West Coast Partnership.{{cite web |url = https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/main-line/stagecoach-disqualified-from-bidding-for-three-british-franchises/ |title = Stagecoach disqualified from bidding for three British franchises |publisher = International Railway Journal |date = 10 April 2019}}{{cite web |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/virgin-trains-end-franchise-rail-lose-bid-pensions-london-euston-edinburgh-a8862811.html |title = Virgin Trains to disappear in less than a year due to pensions row |work = The Independent |date = 10 April 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190410105815/https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/virgin-trains-end-franchise-rail-lose-bid-pensions-london-euston-edinburgh-a8862811.html |archive-date = 10 April 2019 }} One month later, the company announced that it would legally challenge the disqualification.{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/business-48393911 |title = Stagecoach takes legal action over West Coast franchise |work = BBC News |date = 24 May 2019}} However, on 17 June 2020, the High Court ruled against the company and that the decision had been lawful.{{cite web |url = https://www.localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk/procurement-and-contracts/402-procurement-news/44043-decision-to-disqualify-bidders-from-rail-franchise-procurements-was-lawful-high-court |title = Decision to disqualify bidders from rail franchise procurements was lawful: High Court |publisher = localgovernmentlawyer.co.uk |date = 17 June 2020}}{{cite web |url = https://www.cips.org/supply-management/news/2020/june/stagecoach-disappointed-by-high-court-ruling-on-rail-bid-ban/ |title = Stagecoach 'disappointed' by High Court ruling on rail bid ban |publisher = Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply |first = Charlie |last = Hart |date = 18 June 2020}} Accordingly, Virgin Trains ceased in December 2019.

In June 2019, Virgin lodged an application to the Office of Rail & Road for an open access service from {{rws|London Euston}} to {{rws|Liverpool Lime Street}} calling at {{rws|Nuneaton}}, {{rws|Tamworth}}, {{rws|Lichfield Trent Valley}}, {{rws|Liverpool South Parkway}} and Liverpool Lime Street to rival the West Coast Partnership franchisee from May 2021.[https://www.itv.com/news/2019-06-10/virgin-trains-plans-rival-london-liverpool-services-after-franchise-loss/ Virgin Trains plans rival London-Liverpool services after franchise loss] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611085832/https://www.itv.com/news/2019-06-10/virgin-trains-plans-rival-london-liverpool-services-after-franchise-loss/ |date=11 June 2019 }} 11 June 2019 The application was later withdrawn.

In 1998, Virgin Rail, as part of the Capital Rail consortium, was shortlisted for an Australian high-speed rail service from Sydney to Canberra."Riding the Big Ticket" Railway Digest August 1998. p 18.

During November 2018, it was announced that Virgin Group would become a minority investor in the American company Brightline and would provide rights to rebrand the service as Virgin Trains USA.{{cite web |last=Cohen |first=Howard |date=16 November 2018 |title=Brightline forms a partnership with Virgin. A name change is coming soon. |url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article221761710.html |work=Miami Herald}}{{cite web |last1=Branson |first1=Richard |title=Introducing Virgin Trains USA |url=https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/introducing-virgin-trains-usa |website=Virgin |access-date=16 November 2018 |language=en |date=16 November 2018 |archive-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513090738/https://www.virgin.com/richard-branson/introducing-virgin-trains-usa |url-status=live }} However, in August 2020, managers at the company alleged that Virgin had not provided the agreed investment money and thus it would be ending its branding deal, returning to the previous Brightline brand.{{cite web |last=Levin |first=Jonathan |date=7 August 2020 |title=Florida Luxury Train Cuts Branson Ties, Drops Virgin Name |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-07/brightline-to-drop-virgin-branding-end-branson-relationship |work=Bloomberg Media}}{{Cite web |last=Ohnsman |first=Alan |date=7 August 2020 |title=High-Speed Rail Startup Brightline Ends Alliance With Richard Branson's Virgin |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2020/08/07/high-speed-rail-startup-brightline-ends-alliance-with-richard-bransons-virgin/ |access-date=10 August 2020 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{cite web |url=https://miami.cbslocal.com/2020/08/11/brightline-trains-ends-partnership-with-richard-bransons-virgin-group/ |last=Johnston |first=Katie |date=11 August 2020 |title=Brightline Trains Ends Partnership With Richard Branson's Virgin Group |work=WFOR-TV |access-date=9 September 2020}} In March 2021, Virgin sued Brightline for $251.3 million because of the broken contract.{{Cite web |last=Lyons |first=David |title=Virgin sues Brightline for $251.3 million over marketing divorce |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/coronavirus/fl-ne-coronavirus-virgin-sues-brightline-20210308-niq6ezxik5hiplowbz2e7sexz4-story.html|access-date=2021-03-17|website=sun-sentinel.com |date=8 March 2021 }}{{Cite web |last=Burroughs |first=David |date=9 March 2021 |title=Virgin sues Brightline for $US 251.3m over naming contract |url=https://www.railjournal.com/financial/virgin-sues-brightline-for-us-251-5m-over-naming-contract/ |access-date=17 March 2021 |website=International Railway Journal |language=en}} In October 2023, the High Court in London ruled in favour of Virgin, and awarded the company $115 million in damages. Brightline stated its intention to appeal the judgement.{{cite news |author=|url=https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/virgin-group-wins-250-mln-london-court-battle-over-brand-reputation-2023-10-12/ |title=Virgin Group wins London court battle over brand reputation |work=Reuters |date=12 October 2023 |access-date=14 March 2024}}

Virgin's role in the privatisation of British Rail was lampooned in Thomas the Privatised Tank Engine, a 1994 parody children's book published by Private Eye magazine. A send-up of The Railway Series by the Reverend W. Awdry, it mentions characters such as "Gordon the Virgin Engine" (Gordon the Big Engine) and "The Bearded Controller" (The Fat Controller, reimagined as Richard Branson).

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• {{Official website|https://www.virginrailgroup.co.uk}}

{{StagecoachGroup}}

{{Virgin Group}}

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Category:British companies established in 1997

Category:Holding companies of the United Kingdom

Category:Post-privatisation British railway companies

Category:Railway companies established in 1997

Category:Stagecoach Group rail services

Category:Virgin Trains