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GRAND CENTRAL GETS EAST COAST ACCESS BUT GNER IS TURNED DOWN

Discussion in 'On Track.' started by LSWR, Jan 10, 2006.

  1. LSWR

    LSWR Part of the furniture

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    Thread Title Formerly, NEW TRAIN OPERATOR OUT OF KINGS CROSS
    It seems that soon there may be another operator on the ECML. Grand Central trains, based in York, plans to run Sunderland-Kings Cross and Bradford Interchange-Kings Cross using eight class 222 "Meridians" (rather than loco-haulage as in previous plans). These would apparently run as two coupled 5-car units between London and Doncaster to ease congestion, then split to continue.

    The services are said to have a potential market of two million people who previously had few/no direct London services, and would also be much better for wheelchair users and others who previously had to change trains.

    They also say that if passengers have to stand, half the fare will be refunded, only advertise their highest price (rather than amazing fares that no-one can find) and say ticketing will be simpler than usual too.

    ...plus their livery is less likely to startle people than other ones. Black/grey/dark green outside and similar inside. No pink in sight!

    Sounds too good to be true, really! At the moment the ORR is deciding whether to approve the operation.

    Information from:
    GRAND CENTRAL TRAINS
    HALIFAX TODAY
    [​IMG]
     
    LSWR, Jan 10, 2006
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  2. Pewsey Beaste

    Pewsey Beaste Part of the furniture

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    TRAIN operators who want to increase services from Peterborough have been frustrated in their efforts because the lines are too busy to take more trains.

    Peterborough Today
     
    Pewsey Beaste, Jan 12, 2006
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  3. Pewsey Beaste

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    Pewsey Beaste, Jan 23, 2006
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  4. LSWR

    LSWR Part of the furniture

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    LSWR, Jan 24, 2006
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  5. LSWR

    LSWR Part of the furniture

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    LSWR, Jan 27, 2006
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  6. LSWR

    LSWR Part of the furniture

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    GRAND CENTRAL GETS EAST COAST ACCESS — BUT G.N.E.R. IS TURNED DOWN
    A SMALL private train company, Grand Central, has been given the green light to run new services between Sunderland and London over the East Coast Main Line. The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) says it is 'minded' to allow the open access operator to start services in 2007.

    But applications from Great North Eastern Railway (GNER) for additional trains to Leeds, and from Grand Central to serve Bradford, are likely to be turned down. ORR is expected to allow Hull Trains to continue its present level of service.

    While Grand Central said it was cautiously delighted at the news, GNER said it was genuinely surprised and disappointed.

    ORR's go-ahead to Grand Central's Sunderland service is likely to only allow three trains a day, rather than the four GC wanted.

    Network Rail studies of the East Coast line show there is insufficient capacity on parts to satisfy all the wishes of the operators. It says the line is already one of the busiest on the network and enhancements to the infrastructure will be needed before significant extra services can run.

    Grand Central says it expects to start the service, which would also provide new direct journeys to London from Thirsk, Northallerton, Eaglescliffe (for Teesside) and Hartlepool, in early 2007.

    The company plans to use new, five-coach, Class 222 trains, capable of 125 mph operation.

    GNER said it fundamentally disagreed with the ORR's draft conclusions and considers that capacity for its additional services could be created. A GNER statement said it was "reviewing all its options."

    SOURCE RAILNEWS
     
    LSWR, Jan 29, 2006
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