30.01.09
ORR announces its proposed decision on East Coast Main Line track access applications
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) today announces its proposed decision on applications for track access rights for passenger services on the East Coast Main Line (ECML).
ORR has considered a number of applications for track access rights on the ECML – either to extend the period for which existing rights are in place, or for rights to run additional services. The regulator is minded to approve the following:
- conversion of the twelve (six each way) National Express East Coast contingent rights between Leeds and London King’s Cross to firm rights until December 2011;
- continuation of the current access rights, but all as firm rights, for seven weekday and five weekend Hull Trains services each way between Hull and London King’s Cross until December 2014;
- firm rights for a fourth Grand Central service each way between Sunderland and London King’s Cross until May 2012; and
- firm rights for three new daily Grand Northern services each way between Bradford Interchange and London King’s Cross until December 2014.
Additionally, ORR received applications from Platinum Trains which requested rights to introduce a new service between Aberdeen and London King’s Cross; and Hull Trains asked ORR to consider the introduction of a new service between Harrogate and King’s Cross. These applications were assessed against published criteria that flow from its statutory duties. On the basis of present evidence ORR is proposing to reject both applications.
ORR has stated support for another application, by National Express East Coast, to operate an enhanced service on the route, including services from London to Lincoln and Harrogate. However, this cannot be formally approved without changes to some other franchised services – and the operator will need to raise this issue with the Department for Transport.
Michael Lee, ORR’s director of access, planning and performance, said: “We received a number of strong cases to operate additional services on the East Coast Main Line, and considered them all carefully. Some of the open access applications do not demonstrate sufficient benefits to offset the impact on existing operators, but we are minded to approve a further increase in open access activity on the route providing more choice for passengers and greater competition.
“We are also hopeful that ways can be found to step up National Express East Coast franchised services with a regular timetable pattern, although some detailed work remains to be done on this. This would make maximum use of the current capacity on the route, until projects for which Network Rail has just been funded deliver further increases in around five years’ time.”
ORR is aiming to announce its final decision before the end of February 2009, and is seeking representations from the industry on today’s proposed decision by 13 February.
Passenger Focus welcomed the prospect of new long distance train services on the East Coast Main Line and the greater choice that competition will offer passengers at some stations. However the watchdog warned that there must be no delay in resolving the issues preventing National Express’s extra trains starting in December 2009 at the same time as new services to Hull, Sunderland and Bradford will start.
Guy Dangerfield, Passenger Focus manager said: “This is good news for passengers in the towns and cities served by Hull Trains, Grand Central and Grand Northern, but more trains for the majority of passengers on the East Coast Main Line are not yet in the bag. It is crucial that the issues preventing the Office of Rail Regulation approving the extra National Express trains are resolved quickly so they too can start running in December 2009”.
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