Grand Central is an open access train firm operating over the ECML (East Coast Mainline). It competes with rival LNER over part of its network.
But unlike Hull Trains, which suspended operations at very short notice, Grand Central has told Business Traveller that its services will continue, albeit at more limited frequency.
Grand Central operates to London Kings Cross from both Bradford and Sunderland. Trains make several important stops en route to London.
In a statement to Business Traveller, MD of Grand Central, Richard McClean, said: “We remain committed to providing services for the revised timetable agreed with fellow train operators.
“The decision by Hull Trains to temporarily cease running services demonstrates the tough conditions for open access operators during COVID-19 restrictions.
“Social distancing and the advice to travel only unless necessary means the launch of our Blackpool to London Euston service is likely to be delayed.”
There has been a sharp fall in rail passenger numbers since timetables were cut back and “social distancing” took effect.
LNER has announced it will step in to help Hull Trains’ passengers by operating the following services:
0547 Doncaster-Hull
0658 Hull-London Kings Cross
1718 London Kings Cross-Hull
2029 Hull-Doncaster
It will be accepting travellers holding Hull Trains’ tickets on what’s termed a “mutual ticket acceptance” basis.
Note: Grand Central is part of Germany’s Arriva Group. Hull Trains is a subsidiary of First Group.
UPDATE
At very short notice Grand Central announced on Friday afternoon that all services would be suspended temporarily from the end of the day (Friday April 3).
The ‘open access’ train firm says the suspension will be for an initial two months.
All train operators have seen a decline in passenger numbers.
Grand Central MD Richard McClean said “This situation is unsustainable and following several days of discussions with the Department for Transport (DfT) we have no alternative but to suspend our services.
“Customers who have already bought tickets can claim a full refund from the point of purchase.”
Grand Central says it has now “paused” the introduction of its Blackpool-London service until early 2021.”
