Chris Brandon, GCs Head of Business Development, was guest speaker at our 8th October meeting
He gave a wide ranging, varied and informative talk around his history in the rail industry and more specifically within Grand Central.
Key points
1.GC are around for the long term, to strengthen the input to the wide rail and transport landscape.
With government policy on taking franchises into public ownership in mind there has been some internal reorganisation within the Arriva business grouping Grand Central, Arriva Train Railcare and the bus replacement business into an Arriva Rail Services group to both provide more leverage and focus in terms of development and expansion.
2.Two track access applications have been submitted
The first is an extension of the present agreement to run until 2037 and includes replacement of he 180s with new bi-mode trains for which tenders have already been sought. This application has received DfT backing. If granted it is anticipated that the new trains would be introduced during 2028.
The second is for additional services on the West Riding route, an early morning service from York to Kings Cross and late evening return, and to introduce stops at Seaham and additional stops at Peterborough. This was one of 86 applications received by the ORR following an invitation by the DfT including several new Open Access applications,
3 In the shorter term
Looking to improve both the resilience of services and customer offer.
All the 180s would have overhauled bogies and new couplings by the end of2025
Improvements to Eaglescliffe station including new booking office, car parking and lift access
The intention of TPE to call at Eaglescliffe was noted
Members put forward a case for stopping also at Stockton