Jump to content

Grand Central (train operating company)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Not to be confused with Great Central Railway or Central Railway (UK).

Grand Central
Class 180 Adelante and Class 221 Super Voyager at Bradford Interchange in October 2023
Overview
Franchise(s)
Main region(s)
Fleet size
Stations called at15
Stations operated0
Parent companyArriva UK Trains
Reporting markGC[1]
Other
Websitewww.grandcentralrail.com Edit this at Wikidata
Route map
Route map

Grand Central is an open-access train operating company in the United Kingdom. A subsidiary of Arriva UK Trains, it has operated passenger rail services since December 2007.

The company was founded in April 2000 as 'Grand Central Railway Company'. Following multiple applications for track access rights, it launched its operations on the East Coast Main Line between Sunderland and London King's Cross in December 2007. Services between Bradford Interchange and London King's Cross commenced in May 2010. In November 2011, Grand Central was acquired by Arriva UK Trains.

Grand Central has also put forward various proposals for operating additional services in the future. One such service, from London Euston to Blackpool North via the West Coast Main Line, was scheduled to begin in 2021, but the initiative was cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

History

[edit]

The origins of Grand Central can be traced back to the privatisation of British Rail during the mid-1990s. Several bids were submitted under the Grand Central name by Ian Yeowart and a consortium of ex-British Rail managers to operate Midland Mainline and Regional Railways North East franchises.[2][3][4][5][6][7] However, none of the bids it made resulted in a franchise being awarded. In light of this, during March 1998, the company was formally dissolved.[2]

In April 2000, a new company, 'Grand Central Railway Company',[8] was founded to pursue open-access opportunities.[9] One year later, it was publicly proposing to obtain second hand Intercity 125 sets with which to run its own services.[10]

During June 2003, Grand Central applied to the Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) to operate a two-hourly open-access service from Newcastle to Bolton via the Caldervale Line and Manchester Victoria using InterCity 125 trains from Virgin CrossCountry.[11][12] In June 2004, this track-access application was rejected.[13][14][15][16][17]

While establishing its operations, Grand Central reached out to the coach operator Fraser Eagle Group for assistance; during March 2006, Fraser Eagle opted to acquire a 79% shareholding in the venture.[18][19] In response to the acquisition, Great North Eastern Railway (GNER) threatened to sever business ties with Fraser Eagle Group, with which it had active contracts to provide rail replacement buses.[20][21]

In February 2005, Grand Central applied to the ORR to operate four daily services from Sunderland to London King's Cross and four daily services from Bradford Interchange to London King's Cross using Class 67 locomotives hauling five Mark 3 carriages and a Driving Van Trailer.[22][23][24][25] In March 2006, the ORR granted Grand Central access rights for three daily Sunderland to London King's Cross services.[26][27][28] After unsuccessfully attempting to have the process reversed at an ORR hearing, the franchised operator GNER sought a judicial review of the decision to grant Grand Central access rights, but this was rejected by the High Court in July 2006.[29][30][31]

During March 2007, it was announced that Fraser Eagle had sold its 79% shareholding in Grand Central for £10 million to a pair of former managers of Prism Rail, who were backed by a private equity group.[32][33][34]

Operations were originally due to start in May 2007, however, delays in the procurement and refurbishment of rolling stock were reportedly encountered.[35][36][37]

43080 at London King's Cross on 18 December 2007, the first day of Grand Central services

On 18 December 2007, operations commenced between Sunderland and London King's Cross. While awaiting delivery of all of the rolling stock, Grand Central initially operated only one Sunderland – King's Cross and one York – King's Cross service in each direction.[38][39][40] During March 2008, the full timetable was introduced.[41] Mechanical problems with the InterCity 125 fleet led to services being regularly cancelled, as well as a reduced service being operated between May and July 2008.[42][43]

During March 2008, Grand Central applied to the ORR to operate three daily services from Bradford Interchange to London King's Cross.[44][45] In January 2009, it was granted access rights for three daily Bradford Interchange to King's Cross services until December 2014 and a fourth Sunderland to London King's Cross service until May 2012.[46][47] During August 2009, the fourth daily Sunderland–London service started.[48][49]

In February 2010, the ORR announced that all access rights had been extended until December 2016.[50]

On 23 May 2010, Grand Central services between Bradford Interchange and King's Cross began.[51][52][53][54][55] It had been hoped that the service would start in December 2009, but difficulties in securing rolling stock caused delay.[56]

In November 2011, Grand Central was bought out by Arriva UK Trains for an undisclosed amount.[57][58][59] At the time of the takeover, Grand Central had 123 employees, a turnover of £18.9 million and debts of £44 million.[60]

Since December 2011, Bradford services have made an additional stop at Mirfield.[61] During December 2012, a fifth service was operated on the Sunderland to London route; however, on account of pathing difficulties, it initially started at Hartlepool.[62] In December 2013, a fourth daily Bradford to London King's Cross service began.[63]

In August 2014, Grand Central was granted an extension of its operating rights until December 2026.[64][65][66]

COVID-19 pandemic

[edit]

From 3 April 2020, Grand Central temporarily suspended all services due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[67] A spokesperson for the company said "Grand Central has decided to suspend services and hibernate the company to protect their financial viability during this time of reduced passenger numbers." As Grand Central is not a franchised train operating company (TOC), it is not subject to the same government financial package as other franchised services.[68] The company resumed operations on 26 July 2020, initially operating a limited service of five return journeys per day, to increase over subsequent months.[69]

Following the second lockdown announced by the UK government, Grand Central announced on 3 November 2020 that it would once again suspend all services from 6 November.[70] After the second lockdown ended, Grand Central resumed service on 3 December 2020 with a limited timetable and a reservation-only policy on all its services.[71] After the third lockdown's announcement, Grand Central announced on 6 January 2021 that it would once again be suspending all services from 9 January to 1 March 2021.[72]

Routes and services

[edit]

Current services

[edit]
Grand Central (E) Services
Legend
Bradford Interchange
Low Moor
Halifax
Brighouse
Mirfield
Sunderland Tyne and Wear Metro
Wakefield Kirkgate
Hartlepool
Eaglescliffe
Pontefract Monkhill
Northallerton
Thirsk
Doncaster
York
Peterborough
London King's Cross London Underground

Grand Central connects Yorkshire and the North East to London with two routes.

Five daily services on the North East to London route run between Sunderland and London King's Cross calling at Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe, Northallerton, Thirsk and York. This route is known as the North Eastern service.[73] Grand Central has in the past given names to two trains on this route.[citation needed] Contrary to tradition in British named train services, these were individual one-way trips rather than pairs. In the 2008 timetable, the name The Zephyr was given to the early morning (06:41) departure from Sunderland, while the evening (16:50) train from London was called The 21st Century Limited. As of the 2012 timetable, these names are no longer used by the company.

Four daily services which run on the Yorkshire to London route operate between Bradford Interchange and London King's Cross calling at Low Moor, Halifax, Brighouse, Mirfield, Wakefield Kirkgate, and Doncaster. Some services also call at Pontefract Monkhill and/or Peterborough. This is known as the West Riding (or West Yorkshire) service.[73]

Service Route tpd Calling at
North Eastern London King's Cross to Sunderland 6
  • Five trains per day on Sundays.
  • Peterborough is served by one train in each direction, Monday to Saturday only.[74]
West Riding London King's Cross to Bradford Interchange 4
  • Low Moor, Halifax, Brighouse are served by three trains southbound and four trains northbound on Sundays.
  • Pontefract Monkhill is served by three trains southbound and two trains northbound on weekdays, four trains southbound and one train northbound on Saturdays, and no trains in either direction on Sundays.
  • Peterborough is served by one train in each direction, Monday to Saturday only.[74]

Proposed services

[edit]

London King's Cross to Cleethorpes

[edit]

In December 2017, Grand Central announced plans to bid for a service from London King's Cross to Cleethorpes in early 2018 for a date in 2020. It would involve the existing Bradford Interchange service extended to ten coaches from London to Doncaster then dividing with five coaches going to Cleethorpes via Scunthorpe, Barnetby, Habrough and Grimsby.[75] The other five coaches would be the existing service to Bradford Interchange. This proposal would require permission for a split of trains as it has not been used on the East Coast Main Line before.[76] In February 2018, Grand Central announced plans for an additional call at Crowle.[77] The company planned to operate four trains per day from 2020.[78] However, in July 2018, the Office of Rail and Road announced new access charges which would affect the business case for the new service, leading to Grand Central announcing that it would delay bidding until 2019.[78]

Extra Bradford and Sunderland services

[edit]

In March 2018, Grand Central announced that it had applied for six services from London to Sunderland, up from five now, and six services from London to Bradford Interchange, up from four now, which would use Adelante trains.[79]

York to London King's Cross

[edit]

In May 2018, Grand Central announced plans to add an additional evening service before 22:00 between York and London. This service would be ten carriages long.[80]

Wakefield Kirkgate to London King's Cross

[edit]

Grand Central applied for an additional early morning service and an evening service from London to Wakefield; it was rejected because it did not meet the economic criteria.[81][82] However, in May 2018, Grand Central reapplied for the service.[83] This would see one train per day in each direction between London King's Cross and Wakefield.

Peterborough

[edit]

Grand Central also proposed an additional stop at Peterborough but this was rejected. The stops were to be provided by four Sunderland to London King's Cross services.[81] In May 2018, Grand Central reapplied for the service.[83] On 24 November 2023, the ORR approved the request.[84]

Formerly proposed services

[edit]

Grand Central also previously expressed interest in operating services between York and Chester, between Bradford and London, between Lincoln and London, and between Blackpool and London.

York to Chester

[edit]

During February 2005, Grand Central lodged an application with the Office of Rail Regulation to operate a three times a day York to Chester via the Caldervale Line service with Class 158s. This service would have called at Leeds, Wakefield Kirkgate, Brighouse, Rochdale, Manchester Victoria and Warrington Bank Quay.[22][85]

Bradford Interchange to London Euston

[edit]

In September 2006, Grand Central announced a proposal to run services from Bradford Interchange via Huddersfield and the West Coast Main Line to London Euston. This service would have called at Halifax, Brighouse, Huddersfield, Stalybridge, Guide Bridge, Stockport, Crewe, Lichfield Trent Valley, Tamworth and Nuneaton.[86][87][88] The proposal was dropped due to Virgin Trains' Moderation of Competition protection preventing any other operators from operating on the West Coast Main Line.[89]

Lincoln to London King's Cross

[edit]

In June 2010, following East Coast deciding not to proceed with plans for a proposed two hourly service between Lincoln and London King's Cross, Grand Central expressed an interest in running services, but was rejected. This service would have called at Newark North Gate and Grantham.[90]

Blackpool North to London Euston

[edit]

In November 2010, Grand Central applied to the ORR to operate a new service running four times a day in each direction between Blackpool North and London Euston via the West Coast Main Line, calling at Poulton-le-Fylde, Kirkham & Wesham, Preston, Hartford, Tamworth and Nuneaton. Grand Central sought to run these services from May 2012, using Class 67 locomotives hauling nine Mark 3 carriages and a Driving Van Trailer running at up to 110 mph (177 km/h), until such time as the Blackpool North - Preston line was electrified.[91][92] In March 2011, the Office of Rail Regulation rejected the application on the basis the service would be primarily abstractive, meaning it would generate most of its revenue by drawing custom away from existing operators rather than bringing new custom to the rail network.[93]

Grand Central (W) Services
Legend
 Blackpool North Blackpool tramway
Poulton-le-Fylde
Kirkham and Wesham
Preston
Nuneaton
Milton Keynes Central
London Euston London Underground London Overground

Sister company Great North Western Railway originally re-applied for paths with former London North Eastern Railway InterCity 225 sets to begin a service between Blackpool North and London Euston from September 2019. As these are not able to tilt, their speed is restricted to 110 mph (180 km/h).[94][95]

In June 2018, the ORR approved the new application for a seven-year track-access agreement for five direct services from Blackpool North to London Euston, calling at Poulton-le-Fylde, Kirkham and Wesham, Preston, Nuneaton and Milton Keynes Central from September 2019.[96][97] An option for a sixth service in the future was available. The new service would have used the Mark 4 coaches as planned, but with Class 90 rather than Class 91 locomotives.[98]

In June 2019, the proposed services were transferred from GNWR owner Alliance Rail Holdings to Grand Central. The services were due to begin in spring 2020, but were postponed until spring 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[99] However, in September 2020, Grand Central announced that it had decided not to proceed with the introduction of the service following a collapse in projected patronage.[100]

Rolling stock

[edit]
Mark 3 standard class interior
43067 at King's Cross in the original livery in February 2009

Grand Central's application to the ORR in February 2005 had proposed using Class 67 locomotives hauling five Mark 3 carriages and a Driving Van Trailer.[22] As the paths were only granted on the basis of 125 mph stock being used, other stock had to be sourced. It was then proposed to use a fleet of Bombardier Transportation five-carriage Class 222 units, similar to those already in use with Midland Mainline and Hull Trains.[27][101] Difficulty in securing these led to Grand Central deciding to use High Speed Trains.[102]

In October 2006, sister company Sovereign Trains purchased six Class 43 power cars and 18 Mark 3 carriages from Porterbrook.[103] The Class 43s, that all had buffers fitted when they were modified in the late 1980s for use with Class 91 locomotives during the electrification of the East Coast Main Line, were sent for overhaul at Devonport Management Limited, Plymouth.[104][105] The Mark 3s were overhauled at Marcroft Engineering, Stoke-on-Trent. Eighteen of the Mark 3 coaches were former Virgin Trains West Coast loco-hauled carriages that required rewiring in order to work with the power cars due to different electrical requirements.[106][107]

Due to delays encountered during the overhauls, Grand Central investigated leasing spare InterCity 125 sets from Midland Mainline.[108] However, nothing came of this and it was not until December 2007 that enough stock had been delivered for operations to commence. The full fleet was in service by March 2008.[109][110][111]

Problems encountered with the rolling stock, including all six of the power cars being out of traffic at the same time, saw Grand Central hire Class 67 locomotives from the freight haulage company English Welsh & Scottish (EWS), Class 47s from Riviera Trains, and Class 57s from Virgin Trains to haul Riviera Trains' Mark 2 carriages on shuttles from Sunderland to York in summer 2008 as well as InterCity power cars from Midland Mainline.[112][113][114][115]

In March 2010, the InterCity 125s were sold to Angel Trains which funded an overhaul including re-powering the Class 43 at Brush Traction with MTU 16V4000R41 engines.[116][117][118][119]

To operate the fourth Sunderland service, a pair of Class 180s were leased from Angel Trains in 2009,[120][121][122][123] followed by another three to operate the Bradford services in 2010.[124][125] Before entering service, 180112 was named James Herriot in July 2009.[126] The remaining two units, 180105 and 180114, entered service later in 2009.[127] Grand Central secured two further Class 180s, 180101 and 180107, bringing the total number to five.[128] The Class 180 fleet operate both Sunderland and Bradford services, with the InterCity 125 trains usually only operating services to Sunderland, although they have operated to Bradford on occasions.[129]

Grand Central withdrew its HST fleet at the end of 2017, with a transfer to East Midlands Trains for the three six-car sets. The company received five additional Class 180 Adelante sets from Great Western Railway (GWR), made available due to the rollout of the Intercity Express Programme.[130]

Initially, Grand Central adopted an all black livery with doors painted gold (first class) and silver (standard class). When the Class 180 was introduced, an orange band was introduced.[131]

In June 2023 it was announced that Grand Central would be leasing two Class 221 units (numbers 221142 and 221143) for use on services between London King's Cross and Bradford.[132]

Current fleet

[edit]
 Class  Image  Type   Top speed  Number Carriages  Routes operated   Built 
 mph   km/h 
180 Adelante DMU 125 200 10 5 London King's Cross – Sunderland / Bradford Interchange 2000–2001
221 Super Voyager DEMU 2 5 London King's Cross - Bradford Interchange 2001-2002

Cancelled fleet

[edit]

Grand Central were to procure sets for services between Blackpool North and London Euston, made up of six Mark 4 coaches hauled by a Class 90 locomotive, and tailed by a driving van trailer, however these were returned off-lease due to the cancellation of the route.[133] The rolling stock had already been overhauled and training runs had commenced before the service was cancelled in September 2020.[134]

 Class  Image  Type   Top speed   Number   Carriages 
 mph   km/h 
90 Electric locomotive 110 177 5[135] 2 + 6
Mark 4 Passenger carriage 140 225 30
Driving Van Trailer Driving Van Trailer 5

Past fleet

[edit]
 Class  Image  Type   Top speed   Carriages  Qty.  Routes operated   Built  Left fleet
 mph   km/h 
InterCity 125 trains (HSTs)
43 Diesel locomotive 125 201 6 6 London King's Cross – Sunderland 1976-82 2017
Mark 3 Passenger carriage 18

Depots

[edit]

Grand Central's fleet is maintained at Heaton and Crofton depots. Between the 2011 Arriva takeover and the fleet's retirement in 2017, heavy maintenance on the InterCity 125 was performed at Arriva TrainCare, Crewe.[136]

See also

[edit]
  • Grand Central, Birmingham – shopping centre located above New Street railway station in Birmingham

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Grand Central". National Rail Enquiries. National Rail. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Grand Central Railway Company Limited (Mark 1): Company no. 2867426". Companies House. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  3. ^ "NYMR confirms RRNE bid plan". Rail Privatisation News. No. 36. 8 August 1996. p. 6.
  4. ^ "Grand Central to 'go it alone' with franchise bids as NYMR pulls out". Rail. No. 289. 9 October 1996. p. 12.
  5. ^ "RRNE franchise process revealed". Rail Privatisation News. No. 45. 9 January 1997. p. 1.
  6. ^ "Grand Central & Marilyn" (PDF). GC Magazine. No. 1. Summer 2008.
  7. ^ "Yeowart challenging the old guard" (PDF). Rail. 2 December 2009. "Alliancerail.co.uk" (PDF). Archived from the original on 3 September 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  8. ^ Companies House extract company no 3979826 Grand Central Company Limited
  9. ^ "Grand Central Railway Company Limited (Mark 2): company no. 3979826". Companies House. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  10. ^ "Grand Central Railway plans new use for HSTs". The Railway Magazine. No. 1203. July 2001. p. 15.
  11. ^ "Application to the Regulator for a Passenger Track Access Contract Under Section 17 of the Railways Act 1993" (PDF). Office of the Rail Regulator. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 October 2007. Retrieved 26 October 2012. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original on 29 October 2007. Retrieved 26 October 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  12. ^ "Grand Central announces Trans-Pennine plan". Entrain. No. 24 December 2003. p. 15.
  13. ^ "Application by Grand Central Railways Company Limited for a Track Access Contract" (PDF). Office of the Rail Regulator. June 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 October 2007. Retrieved 21 September 2012. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original on 29 October 2007. Retrieved 21 September 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  14. ^ "Plans for new rail link hit the buffers". Huddersfield Daily Examiner. 23 June 2004. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  15. ^ "Grand Central plans rejected as ORR says figures don't stack up". Rail. No. 491. 7 July 2004. p. 10.
  16. ^ "Grand Central's Trans-Pennine HST plan is axed by Regulator". Rail Express. No. 99. August 2004. p. 4.
  17. ^ "Regulator gives thumbs down to Grand Central". The Railway Magazine. No. 1240. August 2004. p. 7.
  18. ^ "Fly like an eagle". EN Magazine. 2006. "En for Business - Business and Financial Education for Entrepreneurs". Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 26 October 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  19. ^ Hewes, Ben (31 March 2006). "Grand railway plan for coach firm". lancashiretelegraph.co.uk.
  20. ^ Clark, Andrew (28 March 2006). "GNER threatens to ditch rival's contract". The Guardian.
  21. ^ "Fraser Eagle is mystery backer". Rail Business Intelligence. 6 April 2006. p. 9.
  22. ^ a b c "Application to the Regulator for a Passenger Track Access Contract Under Section 17 of the Railways Act 1993" (PDF). Office of Rail Regulation. February 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 November 2008. Retrieved 21 September 2012. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original on 20 November 2008. Retrieved 21 September 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  23. ^ Class 67s and Mk 3s for Grand Central's London-Bradford plan Rail issue 505 19 January 2005 page 10
  24. ^ "Grand Central aims for Bradford service" The Railway Magazine issue 1246 February 2005 page 11
  25. ^ "GC asks ORR for London link" Rail issue 511 13 April 2005 page 17
  26. ^ Office of Rail Regulation decision on applications for the Track Access Rights necessary to operate additional passenger services on the East Coast Main Line Archived 1 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine Office of Rail Regulation March 2006
  27. ^ a b "Grand Central wins East Coast paths approval" Rail issue 533 15 February 2006 page 12
  28. ^ "Grand Central service approved as Hull Trains allowed to continue with fifth path" Today's Railways UK issue 53 May 2006 page 10
  29. ^ Allen, Katie (28 July 2006). "GNER fails to block rival's east coast line service". The Guardian. London.
  30. ^ "Decisions Decisions" (PDF). Rail Professional. September 2006. [permanent dead link]
  31. ^ "GNER fury as Grand Central wins ECML paths". The Railway Magazine. No. 1261. May 2006. p. 4.
  32. ^ Harrison, Michael (14 March 2007). "Former Prism bosses buy Grand Central in £10 million deal". The Independent. London. Archived from the original on 4 February 2009. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
  33. ^ "On track for a rail profit". Lancashire Telegraph. 19 March 2007. Archived from the original on 29 February 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  34. ^ "Grand Central sold but service unlikely to start on schedule". Rail Express. No. 132. May 2007. p. 6.
  35. ^ Smith, Ross (7 October 2006). "London rail service winner has no trains". The Journal. Newcastle upon Tyne. Archived from the original on 7 February 2009. Retrieved 9 June 2010.
  36. ^ "Second delay for new rail service". BBC News Online. 26 April 2007. Retrieved 27 April 2007.
  37. ^ "A message from Grand Central's new Managing Director Tom Clift" (Press release). Grand Central. 16 October 2007. Archived from the original on 14 November 2007. Retrieved 25 October 2007.
  38. ^ "Grand Central set for March launch". The Railway Centre. 22 February 2008. Archived from the original on 3 February 2009. Retrieved 25 February 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  39. ^ "Latest news on Grand Central launch" (Press release). Grand Central. 19 November 2007. Retrieved 21 November 2007.[permanent dead link]
  40. ^ "Right away at last for Grand Central". Today's Railways UK. No. 74. February 2008. p. 9.
  41. ^ "Grand Central: worth the wait?". Rail. No. 585. 13 February 2008. p. 41.
  42. ^ "Train firm forced to cut services". BBC News. 20 May 2008.
  43. ^ "New delay for troubled rail firm". BBC News. 7 July 2008.
  44. ^ "Track Access Rights on the East Coast Main Line" (PDF). Office of Rail Regulation. 28 March 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 June 2008. Retrieved 24 April 2008. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original on 25 June 2008. Retrieved 24 April 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  45. ^ "Grand Union applies to run Bradford-London services". Rail. No. 591. 7 May 2008. p. 14.
  46. ^ "ORR announces its proposed decision on East Coast Main Line track access applications". Office of Rail Regulation. 29 January 2009. Archived from the original on 11 November 2010. Retrieved 21 September 2012. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 11 November 2010. Retrieved 21 September 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  47. ^ "Grand Northern set for Bradford". Rail. No. 611. 11 February 2009. p. 20.
  48. ^ Clark, Kevin (17 August 2009). "Grand Central starts fourth train to King's Cross". Sunderland Echo. Retrieved 9 June 2010.[permanent dead link]
  49. ^ "Additional Grand Central service begins". The Railway Magazine. No. 1302. October 2009. p. 73.
  50. ^ "ORR approves East Coast Main Line track access applications". Office of Rail Regulation. 11 February 2010. Archived from the original on 4 September 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2012.
  51. ^ "West Riding Timetable" (PDF). Grand Central. May 2010. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  52. ^ "An historic journey to London with Grand Central West Riding Service". Huddersfield Daily Examiner. 20 May 2010. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
  53. ^ "May start for Grand Central Bradford services". Today's Railways UK. No. 101. May 2010. p. 11.
  54. ^ "GC eyes further destinations as West Yorkshire trains start". Rail. No. 645. 2 June 2010. p. 14.
  55. ^ "Grand Central starts Bradford service". The Railway Magazine. No. 1311. July 2010. p. 6.
  56. ^ Drury, Colin (19 August 2009). "London rail link blow: Service will be delayed until May". Halifax Evening Courier. Archived from the original on 22 August 2009. Retrieved 21 August 2009.
  57. ^ "Arriva acquires open access operator Grand Central Railway" (Press release). Arriva. 4 November 2011. Archived from the original on 9 August 2014. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
  58. ^ Milner, Chris (5 November 2011). "Arriva acquires open access operator Grand Central Railway". The Railway Magazine. Horncastle. Archived from the original on 17 November 2011. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
  59. ^ "Germans buy open-access operator Grand Central". Railnews. Stevenage. 4 November 2011. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
  60. ^ Laing, Iain (5 November 2011). "Transport giant Arriva takeover (sic) Grand Central". The Journal. Newcastle upon Tyne. Archived from the original on 8 November 2011. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
  61. ^ "Mirfield gets direct rail services to and from London" (Press release). Grand Central. 9 December 2011. Archived from the original on 14 February 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  62. ^ "Extra daily train service to and from London Kings Cross from December" (Press release). Grand Central. 24 October 2012.
  63. ^ "ORR approves Grand Central's fourth Bradford service". Rail. No. 725. Peterborough. 26 June 2013. p. 15.
  64. ^ "Application to the Office of Rail Regulation for a track access agreement" (PDF). Grand Central. August 2013. [permanent dead link]
  65. ^ "Grand Central Sunderland to London rail service given 10 year extension". Sunderland Echo. 7 August 2014. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 7 August 2014.
  66. ^ "GC green light to run until 2026". Rail. No. 755. Peterborough. 20 August 2014. p. 13.
  67. ^ Roden, Andrew (22 April 2020). "Grand Central suspends services for two months". Rail. No. 903. Peterborough. p. 8.
  68. ^ "Train firm suspends services over coronavirus". BBC News. 3 April 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
  69. ^ "Grand Central relaunch rail services with more north east routes". ITV News. 26 July 2020. Retrieved 27 July 2020.
  70. ^ Laycock, Mike (3 November 2020). "York train company to suspend all services after lockdown starts". The Press. York. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  71. ^ Farrell, Stephen (26 November 2020). "Grand Central to resume services in December". Insider Media. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
  72. ^ "Grand Central cancels ALL London to Bradford and Sunderland trains". RailAdvent. 6 January 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2021.
  73. ^ a b "Timetable". Grand Central.
  74. ^ a b "Train Timetables | London, Yorkshire & North East | Grand Central".
  75. ^ "Grimsby and Cleethorpes could get direct trains to London by 2020". Grimsby Telegraph. 27 December 2017.
  76. ^ "Scunthorpe could get direct trains to London by 2020". Scunthorpe Telegraph. 27 December 2017.
  77. ^ "Scunthorpe to London rail link remains on track as plans move closer to becoming reality". Scunthorpe Telegraph. 15 February 2018.
  78. ^ a b Daly, Patrick (12 July 2018). "New rail charges could disrupt plan to run direct trains to Grimsby". Grimsby Telegraph. Grimsby: Reach plc. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  79. ^ Gerrard, Bradley (8 March 2018). "Virgin Trains rival Grand Central applies to run more services on East Coast mainline". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  80. ^ "Plans for new evening train service between York and London". York Press. 15 May 2018. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  81. ^ a b "Application To The Office Of Rail Regulation For A Passenger Track Access Agreement Or Amendment To A Passenger Track Access Agreement Under Sections 17-22A Of The Railways Act 1993" (PDF). Office Of Rail and Rail. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 March 2018. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  82. ^ "Train company blocked from running new services from Yorkshire to London". The Yorkshire Post. Leeds. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  83. ^ a b "Application To The Office Of Rail Regulation For A Passenger Track Access Agreement Or Amendment To A Passenger Track Access Agreement Under Sections 17-22A Of The Railways Act 1993" (PDF). Office of Road and Rail. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 May 2018. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  84. ^ Booth, Janine. "Office of Rail and Road approves new services at Peterborough". Rail Advent.
  85. ^ "Grand Central aims for Chester and Sunderland". Rail Express. No. 103. December 2004. p. 12.
  86. ^ "New rail routes planned". The Telegraph. London. 20 September 2006.
  87. ^ "Off to London from Huddersfield station". The Huddersfield Daily Examiner. 21 September 2006.
  88. ^ "Grand Central plans for Huddersfield via WCML". Rail. No. 549. Peterborough. 27 September 2006. p. 8.
  89. ^ "Grand Northern drops Bradford-Euston bid". Rail. No. 602. 8 October 2008. p. 18.
  90. ^ "Lincoln to London rail service could be saved by another train operator". Lincolnshire Echo. Lincoln. 25 June 2010. Archived from the original on 27 June 2010. Retrieved 25 June 2010.
  91. ^ "Application to the Office of Rail Regulation for a passenger track access contract under section 17 of the Railways Act 1993" (PDF). Office of Rail Regulation. 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 November 2010.
  92. ^ Miles, Tony (December 2010). "Blackpool through service proposed in West Coast path frenzy". Modern Railways. London. p. 6.
  93. ^ "Regulator announces conclusions on future track access rights for the West Coast Main Line" (Press release). Office of Rail Regulation. 2 March 2011. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2012. refused Grand Central's application … failed our not primarily abstractive test
  94. ^ "Alliance drops Pendolino plan as Southampton paths identified". Railway Gazette International. London. 19 July 2017. Archived from the original on 19 June 2017. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  95. ^ "Projects". Alliance Rail.
  96. ^ "Application for a new track access contract for services between London Euston and Blackpool North - Track access decision letter". Office of Rail and Road. 7 June 2018. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  97. ^ "New Blackpool to London rail services approved" (Press release). York: Alliance Rail Holdings. 7 June 2018. Archived from the original on 10 September 2018. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  98. ^ Clinnick, Richard (13 August 2019). "First Class 91 withdrawn from traffic by LNER". Rail. Peterborough.
  99. ^ "Grand Central follows Hull Trains in suspending open access services". Railway Gazette International. London. 6 April 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
  100. ^ "Grand Central's planned Blackpool to London route falls victim to COVID-19" (Press release). Grand Central. 9 October 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  101. ^ "Grand Central wants Class 222s". The Railway Magazine. No. 1252. August 2005. p. 6.
  102. ^ "GC in HST deal talks". Rail. No. 546. 16 August 2006. p. 14.
  103. ^ Grand Central Railway to operate HST power cars and loco-hauled Mk3s[usurped] TheRailwayCentre.com 5 October 2006
  104. ^ Sectorisation 125 Group
  105. ^ Privatisation October 2005 - Present 125 Group
  106. ^ "Grand Central buys HST and Mk 3s". The Railway Magazine. No. 1268. December 2006. p. 71.
  107. ^ "Grand Central buys its own stock". Today's Railways UK. No. 60 December 2006. p. 6.
  108. ^ "HST not ready for GC open access launch next month". Rail. No. 564. 25 April 2007. p. 7.
  109. ^ "More stock…Grand Central finally starts its full timetable". Rail. No. 587. 12 March 2008. p. 13.
  110. ^ "Full Grand Central service underway". Today's Railways UK. No. 77. May 2008. p. 15.
  111. ^ "Grand Central's full service is up and running". The Railway Magazine. No. 1285. May 2008. p. 78.
  112. ^ Grand Central Class 47 Haulage, 2008 Archived 5 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine Sulzer Power
  113. ^ "Grand Central hires 67s as two of three HSTs fail". Rail. No. 591. 7 May 2008. p. 16.
  114. ^ "Grand Central turns to loco-hauled Mark 2s as HSTs struggle". Today's Railways UK. No. 78. June 2008. p. 11.
  115. ^ "Grand Central ditches 47s in favour of 57s". Rail. No. 595. 2 July 2008. p. 12.
  116. ^ "Angel Trains in HST Lease-Back Deal with Grand Central". Angel Trains. 2 March 2010.[permanent dead link]
  117. ^ "Angel Trains buys Grand Central's High Speed Trains". Rail. No. 639. 10 March 2010. p. 15.
  118. ^ "Grand Central deal will see last six Valenta-engined HST power cars rebuilt". Rail Express. No. 167. April 2010. p. 5.
  119. ^ "Angel acquires Grand Central HSTs: MTU engines on way". Today's Railways UK. No. 101. May 2010. p. 60.
  120. ^ "New Trains for the New Service". Grand Central. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  121. ^ "Two Adelantes on their way to Grand Central". Rail. No. 613. 11 March 2009. p. 10.
  122. ^ "Grand Central to get Adelantes". The Railway Magazine. No. 1296. April 2009. p. 83.
  123. ^ "GC secures lease for two 180s". Today's Railways UK. No. 89. May 2009. p. 63.
  124. ^ "Grand Central signs up three additional trains for new 'West Riding' service". Grand Central. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2012. "Three additional trains for the West Riding". Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  125. ^ "Acceptance of proposed vehicle change" (PDF). Network Rail. 11 June 2008. [dead link]
  126. ^ "Grand Central honours Yorkshire vet 'James Herriot'" (PDF). Railway Herald. No. 188. Scunthorpe. August 2009. p. 3. Retrieved 30 June 2011.
  127. ^ Miles, Tony (August 2009). "Third Adelante for Grand Union". Modern Railways. London. p. 92.
  128. ^ "GC sets out plan for five '180s' by 2010". Rail. No. 624. Peterborough. 12 August 2009. p. 15.
  129. ^ "Rare Bradford visit for Grand Central HST". Rail. No. 766. 21 January 2015. p. 31.
  130. ^ "Grand Central to replace HSTs with cascaded Class 180s". Rail (UK). Retrieved 22 December 2017.
  131. ^ "New look GC HST". The Railway Magazine. No. 1315. November 2010. p. 76.
  132. ^ "Class 221 Super Voyager". Units. Rail Express. No. 326. Horncastle: Mortons Media Group. July 2023. p. 21. ISSN 1362-234X.
  133. ^ "Grand Central's planned Blackpool to London route falls victim to COVID-19". Grand Central Rail. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  134. ^ "GC Blackpool training underway". Railways Illustrated. May 2020. p. 8.
  135. ^ "We are delighted to reveal 90026 which is the first of five Class 90 locomotives we have hired to @GC_Rail to receive this iconic livery. The locomotives will be maintained by DB Cargo UK at our Crewe International Electric Maintenance Depot.
    #Deutschebahn #TeamRed"    . Twitter. @DBCargoUK. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
  136. ^ "Approval of the Twenty-sixth supplemental agreement to the track access contract between Network Rail Infrastructure Limited and Grand Central Railway Company Limited" (PDF). Office of Rail Regulation. 17 April 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Grand_Central_(train_operating_company)&oldid=1253953025"