Grand Central hints at new train order as it requests to extend track access rights

Grand Central Railway is applying to extend its existing track rights into London King’s Cross for another decade.

The open access operator’s existing rights in Yorkshire and the North East expire at the end of 2027, but it has now applied to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for an extension until 2038.

The operator currently operates services from King’s Cross to Bradford Interchange and Sunderland, stopping at stations such as Pontefract, Halifax and Hartlepool.

The application, submitted in early November, is separate to one submitted to the ORR in May for two additional daily return services between Bradford and King’s Cross, an early morning York-London train with a late evening return, and the introduction of a stop at Seaham on its Sunderland route.

Grand Central has said that if its application is successful, it could allow for new bi-mode trains to be ordered. It currently has a fleet of ten five-car Class 180s and have used a pair of Class 221 Super Voyagers on short-term lease.

Both fleets, which date back to 2001, run on diesel engines despite covering hundreds of miles under overhead wires on the East Coast Main Line (ECML). Fellow open access operators, Hull Trains and Lumo, which also run operate along the ECML have introduced Class 802/3 and ‘803’ bi-mode units respectively.

Paul Hutchings, Managing Director responsible for Grand Central, said: “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.”

The estimated timeline for a response is between eight and 12 weeks.

An ORR spokesman added: "“We will consider and decide Grand Central’s application in line with our [statutory] duties. This includes promoting improvements in performance, and promoting competition where it benefits customers."