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Grand Central Trains Northeast to South Coast New Route ApplicationArriva Group submits open access rail application to connect Newcastle and Brighton, via London Gatwick
• New services operated by Arriva’s Grand Central would introduce a direct rail connection between the Northeast and Midlands to London Gatwick and the South Coast. Arriva Group has today announced it is submitting an open access application to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to introduce a new direct rail service between Newcastle and Brighton, via London Gatwick, providing vital connectivity for underserved communities along the route. Arriva’s application, to be formally notified to Network Rail today, makes use of existing under-utilised capacity on the network and includes proposals to introduce five trains per day in each direction, along what would be the first direct route between Newcastle and Brighton. It would deliver a direct connection from the Northeast and Midlands to London Gatwick and the South Coast, removing the need to interchange through London and providing passengers with a more efficient, affordable and sustainable travel option.
Paul Hutchings, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains’ Rail Services, said: “We’re committed to connecting communities and enabling more people to travel in ways that are convenient and sustainable, so we’re very pleased to be submitting this application for the first direct service between Newcastle and Brighton, opening up new travel opportunities and making better use of available network capacity – all while building on Grand Central’s proud history of connecting traditionally underserved communities. “This is an exciting time for Grand Central’s growth story and follows the extension of our existing access rights to 2038 as well as the recent announcement of an investment of around £300 million in a new battery hybrid train fleet for our existing routes, further underlining our commitment and ambition for rail in the UK.” If approved, the new route will provide direct access to London Gatwick for many communities in cities and towns in the northeast and the midlands, such as Northallerton, Warwick and Burton-on-Trent – offering passengers a reliable, comfortable and lower-carbon alternative to road travel while easing capacity constraints on London’s transport network. Each train will offer capacity for 300 passengers, including luggage space for airport travellers, as well as on-board catering, wi-fi and charging points. Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer of London Gatwick said, “We welcome Arriva’s exploration of a regular service between London Gatwick, the Midlands and North East, and are excited about the opportunities this proposed service could bring. London Gatwick is keen to encourage passengers to use public transport and this enhanced connectivity would support underserved areas, while strengthening and growing our catchment. “London Gatwick already boasts an extensive network supported by strong relationships with transport providers, making the airport the best connected in the UK by public transport - this proposed addition would further enhance the seamless travel options for passengers and staff.” Other applications currently awaiting approval from the ORR include proposals for two extra daily return services between Bradford and London and an early morning and late evening return from York to London, as well as the introduction of a direct London connection to Grimsby and Cleethorpes. Arriva is one of Europe’s largest transport operators and the only owning group in the UK rail market with experience across every major contract model – including national rail contracts with Chiltern and CrossCountry, concessions with Arriva Rail London and open access with Grand Central. Grand Central |
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