Open access threat to National Express East Coast expansion

Grand Central: 25 new return services planned

Grand Central: 25 new return services planned

Open access operators Grand Central and Hull Trains are planning to bid for up to 82 new train paths per day on the East Coast Main Line, threatening National Express East Coast’s expansion plans and its ability to pay its £1.4bn premium to the DfT.

Grand Central is planning to lodge applications with the Office of Rail Regulation for six return trains per day from London to Bradford, four return trains per day from London to each of Middlesbrough, Scarborough, Cleethorpes and...