As readers will know these two open access operators along the East Coast Mainline suspended services during lockdown.
But Hull Trains has now announced it will resume its Hull-London Kings Cross service from April 12.
ℹ️ Hull Trains are coming back – we are delighted to announce that we will start running services again from Monday, April 12th. Tickets will go on sale very shortly, watch this space for more details.
— Hull Trains (@Hull_Trains) March 1, 2021
Meanwhile fellow operator Grand Central says it “plans” to resume service on March 27 between Bradford and London Kings Cross.
Following the PM’s announcement we’ve decided to postpone our return for a little longer and plan to be back with you on March 27.
There's information on changing your reservations or booking travel with us from the 27th at the Grand Central website. https://t.co/NotqCEA4iB pic.twitter.com/X9t2tU8b1G
— Grand Central Rail (@GC_Rail) February 23, 2021
Speaking to Global Railway Review, Hull Trains’ MD Louise Cheeseman commented, “We are returning with a reduced timetable at this stage while we monitor passenger demand than steadily build the business back up”.
Grand Central indicates it is now accepting bookings from late March, while Hull Trains is telling customers that “tickets will go on sale very shortly.”
Both these open access firms have received no government support since the start of the pandemic hence they suspended services during periods of lockdown.
By comparison the franchised rail operators now have their costs met by the government.
These costs are increasing month by month. In the middle of 2020 they were estimated to be over £3 billion.
BBC’s radio consumer programme “You and Yours” this week revealed that the subsidy to the train firms had now amounted £10 billion.
Finally readers must bear in mind that rail services remain subject to change in these unusual times.
