07.08.14
Grand Central given 10-year extension
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has agreed to extend Grand Central Rail’s track access contract for a further 10 years.
It means that the open access operator will continue operating services between London King’s Cross and Sunderland and London King’s Cross and Bradford until 2026.
Richard McClean, managing director of Grand Central Rail, said: “As an open access operator, the 10-year extension to our rail access is excellent news for our passengers and employees and highly significant for the wider rail industry.
“Not only does this mean we can continue to operate services connecting Sunderland and Bradford to London King’s Cross, but we are also in a position to proceed with significant investments to improve our services and encourage future economic growth.”
The existing track access contract had allowed Grand Central Rail to operate until 2016, however, the new agreement will allow the company to make “significant” investment in its rolling stock and invest in passenger facilities, such as car parks.
McLean added: “We pride ourselves on our customer service, as recently demonstrated in the latest National Rail Passenger Survey results [94% customer satisfaction], and we are looking forward to a further 10 years of linking with these communities and making continued enhancements to our service for our passengers.”
(Image: c. Nik Morris)
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