Open access - Page 6

Man behind Grand Union is looking to start a new operation on the South Western Main Line from 2026

Editor Dickon Ross on RAIL's coverage of the emerging role of open access in Great British Railways that could reshape the future of TOCs after nationalisation.

An order for new trains at Newton Aycliffe is welcome, but Philip Haigh asks where are the ambitions for new stock with low floors for accessibility.

FirstGroup has applied for permission to start six services between Paddington and Paignton via Bristol from 2028

Our anonymous columnist looks at the wider implications of the open access order that staves off the threat of lay-offs at Hitachi.

The new operator, now granted track access, is seeking funding. Our Industry Insider on what happens next.

The open access operator was given permission by the ORR to run services from as early as December 2025, though 2026 is more likely

Office of Rail and Road gave Go-op permission to run services between Taunton and Swindon from as early as December 2025

FirstGroup's order comes a day after acquisition of Grand Union's Paddington-Carmarthen operation is announced

FirstGroup is to run both services under its Lumo brand, with Carmarthen still set to start in 2027