YORK headquartered train operator Grand Central is in talks to operate additional daily services in a move that will see 1,600 extra daily seats to or from London.
Grand Central, which is part of the Arriva Group, has begun consultation with other train companies and the infrastructure operator Network Rail over its plans to operate more trains per day.
The new services would run on its current routes as well as offer new direct journey opportunities for passengers travelling to and from Peterborough.
Following the consultation, Grand Central will then submit the application to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for consideration.
If approved, the move will bring Grand Central’s current daily North East route, which stops at York, to six return services, up from five, and its West Yorkshire route would see six trains to London and five returning from London throughout the day, up from four at present. (currently four).
The additional train services will provide 1,600 more daily seats to or from the capital, in response to demand from its customers for more services for their local communities.
Richard McClean, managing director of Grand Central, which last year celebrated its tenth anniversary, 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.
“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.”
These additional services will be operated by Grand Central’s Adelante fleet, which is currently undergoing a significant refurbishment programme.
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