Grand Central promises new train investment in ORR application

Grand Central, open access train operating company owned by Arriva Group UK has announced plans to extend its services for the next 15 years. As well as hoping to renew its track access rights until 2038, it is also planning for a significant investment in new bi-mode trains.

Grand Central, which has been operating on the East Coast main line since 2007, runs services from Bradford Interchange and Sunderland towards London. The proposed extension of its track access is a vote of confidence in the open access model and underlines Arriva’s long-term commitment to the service.

As part of this investment, Grand Central is exploring the procurement of bi-mode trains, to replace over time its diesel class 180s as well as its two current 221s. Grand Central has seen significant growth regarding passenger numbers post-pandemic and the procurement process will target increased capacity as well as reducing carbon emissions.

The timing of the application follows on from the operator’s application to expand its services. It recently applied to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for two additional daily return services between Bradford and London (with up to eight stops in between), bringing the total to six a day. This included an early morning service from York into London King’s Cross. If the expansion application is successful, services could begin in May 2025.

David Brown, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains, commented: “Grand Central plays an important role within Arriva Group’s rail portfolio and securing long-term access will allow us to invest and grow, supporting the Government’s ambitions for Britain’s railways to thrive. 

“Grand Central provides reliable and efficient journeys to passengers who would otherwise not have access to services and therefore plays an essential role in economic growth by connecting communities across the north of England”.

The extension of track access rights is subject to approval by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) regulator following industry and stakeholder consultation.