Grand Central, a train operating company which is part of the Arriva Group, has begun consultations with other train companies and Network Rail to operate more trains a day.

The new services would run on its current routes but also a new direct journey for passengers travelling to and from Peterborough.

Following the consultation, the application will be submitted to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for it to be considered.

If the application is approved, the move will bring Grand Central‘s North East operation to six return services and its West Yorkshire route would see six trains to London and five returning from London.

These additional trains will provide an additional 1,600 seats to or from the capital.

The new services will be provided using the fleet of Adelante trains which are currently undergoing a refurbishment programme.

What have they applied for?

The train operating company is requesting additional access rights to allow it to operate:

• An additional return from Sunderland to London Kings Cross service proposed to operate in the gaps of the timetable with a mid-morning departure from Sunderland and a mid-afternoon departure from Kings Cross.
• An additional train service from Bradford Interchange to London, departing late afternoon.
• Early morning service from Wakefield Kirkgate to London arriving in London before 07:30 am.
• A 10-carriage late evening service departing London before 22:00 pm. This train would be split at Doncaster, one half going to Wakefield, the other would continue onto York.
• Calls at Peterborough in the early morning and late evening West Yorkshire route services, as well as two of its North East services.

What did the officials say?

Richard McClean, Managing Director of Grand Central, said: “The proposed additional services are an important part of Grand Central’s longer-term strategic development, building on the strong growth we have seen on our existing routes.

“We believe that expanding our operations will benefit both our existing and potential new passengers, as well as grow existing markets.

“As well as bringing additional benefits to our customers, we see these additional services as continuing the economic growth we have supported in communities along our routes by enabling social mobility and enabling communities to thrive.

“The proposed services are essential to encouraging competition in the rail market and to connecting communities and businesses. By offering low fares and benefits which are valued by our customers such as free WiFi and plenty of legroom, we aim to make train travel an attractive and affordable option.

“We’re pleased to present these growth proposals and we hope the ORR and the wider rail industry share our vision for sustainable investment in the long term.”

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