login search

Open access

Features

Ian Yeowart
Feature

Interview: Ian Yeowart of GCR fame on the future of open access

Ian Yeowart was instrumental in setting up the Grand Central Railway he's still submitting successful applications. He talks to Peter Plisner.

Major projects 15 Apr 2025
Former Transport Secretary Louise Haigh praised open access - and Lumo in particular - but the government has recently sounded a more cautious note. On January 24 2022, Lumo’s 1436 from London King’s Cross rests at Edinburgh Waverley, operated by 803002. TOM MCATEE.
Feature

The fight to open up the network

The government has cooled in its support for open access operations, but companies remain optimistic that their ambitions will reach fruition.

Policy 20 Mar 2025
Private operator… and state-owned franchisee. Lumo 803002 (left) with the 1023 London King’s Cross to Edinburgh stands at Newcastle on February 26 2023, alongside LNER 801211 on the competing 1003 King’s Cross-Edinburgh. Despite Labour’s nationalisation plans, the government has been supportive of open access. PAUL BIGGS.
Feature

An open invitation or mixed messages for open access ?

Ministers appeared to back the latest open access deal guaranteeing private operation within a nationalised railway. Peter Plisner looks at the state of play.

Open access 22 Jan 2025
Feature

How Hull Trains opened the door

TOCs 10 Oct 2024
Lumo 803 001 arrives at Newcastle Central forming the 1525 Edinburgh-King’s Cross on August 6 2022. Lumo is one of three open access operators on the East Coast Main Line. ANTONY GUPPY.
Feature

Open access under a new government

The Government has approved new open access operators. Labour says it will retain the concept if it wins the election. Paul Clifton hears from the operators.

Open access 14 Jun 2024
 

RAIL subs offer

RAIL special reports

Model Railway Class 31 April 2025