Open access - Page 4

Comment: open access, orders and changes on the railway

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

Opinion: Go-op share prospectus

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

Go-op to launch fundraising campaign as it seeks £2.8m to start services

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

Go-op: Chairman of regional open access operator outlines funding requirements and projected start of services

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

FirstGroup orders 14 Hitachi 80x units for Lumo services on Great Western and East Coast Main Lines

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

FirstGroup buys Grand Union's Carmarthen-Paddington open access operation and requests new Paignton service

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

Comment: GBR in 2026 and support for open access and freight

Philip Haigh on new Transport Secretary Louise Haigh’s debut appearance before the House of Commons Transport Select Committee.

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

Grand Central is requesting a decade-long track extension on its existing routes along the East Coast Main Line and into King's Cross

New open access operator given go-ahead to launch service between Swindon and Taunton

Go-op will become the first regional open access operator in the UK, and plans to start running services from December 2025

How Hull Trains opened the door

First acquires Stirling-London Grand Union open access operation

FirstGroup has taken over Ian Yeowart’s Stirling-London open access operation, which holds five-year track access rights and is proposed to start in June 2025.

Hull Trains reveals possible Sheffield timetable

Hull Trains has revealed an indicative timetable for its proposed new service between Sheffield and London King’s Cross.

Grand Central promises new train investment in ORR application

Grand Central, an open access train operating company owned by Arriva Group UK, has announced plans to extend its services for the next 15 years.

Further backing for Shropshire rail line improvements

A new report by Midlands Connect has revealed overwhelming support from Shropshire-based businesses and organisations for plans to upgrade the rail line between Shrewsbury, Telford, the Black Country, and Birmingham.

Record number of Open Access bids for limited train paths

Open Access faces an uncertain future, because of a lack of space on already congested main lines and problems with acquiring new rolling stock.

Heathrow Express extends track access to 2028

Heathrow Express, which has just recently celebrated 26 years of service, has secured its track access agreement until June 2028. This deal ensures the continuation of their high-frequency service, carrying passengers daily between London Paddington and Heathrow Airport.

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 firms labelled ‘parasites’ by union leaders

Open access operators are parasitical and cut passenger choice, two rail union leaders have told the House of Commons Transport Select Committee.

Grand Central suspends services

Grand Central to suspend services due to lockdown

Hull Trains to suspend services

Hull Trains to suspend services again due to lockdown