Arriva‘s Grand Central, a UK open access train operating company, announced its intention to acquire bi-mode state-of-the-art trains that would replace the existing 24-year-old Class 180 units. The procurement will begin once the open access train operating company obtain the extension of its existing track access rights until 2038, securing its services for the next 15 years.
The application for track access extension represents a significant commitment to long-term services and supports its plans to expand services with improved connectivity and increased frequency, as outlined in a previous application, submitted to the Office of Rail and Road in May this year.
Consultations begin with stakeholders today and Grand Central will be outlining its intentions to invest through procurement of bi-mode trains which are capable of operating on both electrified and non-electrified lines, offering greater flexibility and efficiency, while future-proofing its operation.
The extension of track access rights is subject to approval by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) regulator following industry and stakeholder consultation.
Subject to approval through the procurement process, new trains would bring significant benefits to passengers and communities. The new trains would feature approximately 20 per cent more seats than the current Class 180 units bringing new customer focused features and a more comfortable experience for passengers. The bi-mode trains will also help climate goals reducing the carbon emissions as can operate on electric and non-electric tracks without harming the environment.
“Grand Central plays an important role within Arriva Group’s rail portfolio and securing long-term access will allow us to invest and grow, supporting the Government’s ambitions for Britain’s railways to thrive,” David Brown, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains, said.
Grand Central has been operating services on the East Coast mainline since 2007 as an open access operator, which means it receives no government funding or subsidy. It directly links 15 destinations, including cities in Yorkshire and the North East with London’s Kings Cross.
Arriva’s UK Trains division includes Grand Central, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry and Arriva Rail London. It is the only owning group to have experience with all contract types currently in use on Britain’s railway, including national rail contracts, a concessionary contract and the open access company under the Grand Central brand.
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