Open-access train operator Grand Central has applied to the rail regulator to extend its track access rights across Yorkshire and the North East beyond 2027.

The application to the Office for Rail and Road (ORR) is aimed at securing its long-term future in the region and increasing capacity and is supported by local organisations including Hays Travel, F.C. Halifax Town, and the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

These all acknowledge that Grand Central can play a role in boosting regional connectivity and local growth.

The company currently provides links from 15 stations in the north-east to London King’s Cross and is the only operator to provide direct services to London from stations such as Sunderland, Halifax, Hartlepool, and Pontefract.

Grand Central operates its services using spare capacity on the national rail network, and its fares are up to 80% less than other long-distance operators.

Approval of Grand Central’s application would allow it to replace its current 24-year-old rolling stock with new, state-of-the-art Bi-Mode trains.

These could increase capacity by 20% with more services and provide customers with better reliability and comfort.

An added advantage of the new trains is their reduced carbon emissions and ability to operate on both electric and non-electric tracks.

Earlier this year, Grand Central applied to the regulator for authority to run extra services with additional stops across Yorkshire and the North East. These include new services to Seaham for its first and only direct connection to London, and extra services from York to London via Peterborough.

“We’re proud of the role we play at Grand Central in connecting underserved communities across Yorkshire and the North East, and we’re grateful to be backed by local businesses who recognise the crucial role our services play in connecting businesses to opportunities that drive local growth. We want to secure our long-term future in the region, creating the conditions to unlock investment in new trains at no cost to the taxpayer – expanding capacity and enabling us to deliver an even better experience for our passengers and the communities we serve.”

Paul Hutchings, Managing Director responsible for Grand Central