Grand Central (train operating company)

The origins of Grand Central can be traced back to the privatisation of British Rail during the mid-1990s. Several bids were submitted under the Grand Central name by Ian Yeowart and a consortium of ex-British Rail managers to operate Midland Mainline and Regional Railways North East franchises.{{cite web |url = http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/02867426 |publisher = Companies House |title = Grand Central Railway Company Limited (Mark 1): Company no. 2867426 |access-date = 10 August 2022 |archive-date = 6 October 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141006155728/http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/02867426 |url-status = dead }}{{cite magazine |title = NYMR confirms RRNE bid plan |magazine = Rail Privatisation News |issue = 36 |date = 8 August 1996 |page = 6}}{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central to 'go it alone' with franchise bids as NYMR pulls out |magazine = Rail |issue = 289 |date = 9 October 1996 |page = 12}}{{cite magazine |title = RRNE franchise process revealed |magazine = Rail Privatisation News |issue = 45 |date = 9 January 1997 |page = 1}}{{cite magazine |url = http://www.grandcentralrail.co.uk/GCM_Issue1.pdf |title = Grand Central & Marilyn |magazine = GC Magazine |issue = 1 |date = Summer 2008}}{{cite web |url = http://www.alliancerail.co.uk/alliancerailarticle.pdf |title = Yeowart challenging the old guard |magazine = Rail |issue = 632 |date = 2 December 2009}} {{Cite web |url=http://www.alliancerail.co.uk/alliancerailarticle.pdf |title=Alliancerail.co.uk |access-date=26 October 2012 |archive-date=3 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903185320/http://www.alliancerail.co.uk/alliancerailarticle.pdf |url-status=bot: unknown }} However, none of the bids it made resulted in a franchise being awarded. In light of this, during March 1998, the company was formally dissolved.

In April 2000, a new company, 'Grand Central Railway Company',[http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/03979826 Companies House extract company no 3979826] Grand Central Company Limited was founded to pursue open-access opportunities.{{cite web |url = http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/03979826 |publisher = Companies House |title = Grand Central Railway Company Limited (Mark 2): company no. 3979826 |access-date = 10 August 2022}} One year later, it was publicly proposing to obtain second hand Intercity 125 sets with which to run its own services.{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central Railway plans new use for HSTs |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1203 |date = July 2001 |page = 15}}

During June 2003, Grand Central applied to the Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) to operate a two-hourly open-access service from Newcastle to Bolton via the Caldervale Line and Manchester Victoria using InterCity 125 trains from Virgin CrossCountry.{{cite web |url = http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s17-GC_apfrm.pdf |title = Application to the Regulator for a Passenger Track Access Contract Under Section 17 of the Railways Act 1993 |publisher = Office of the Rail Regulator |access-date = 26 October 2012 |archive-date = 29 October 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071029165610/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s17-GC_apfrm.pdf |url-status = dead }} {{Cite web |url=http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s17-GC_apfrm.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=26 October 2012 |archive-date=29 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029165610/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s17-GC_apfrm.pdf |url-status=bot: unknown }}{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central announces Trans-Pennine plan |magazine = Entrain |issue = 24 December 2003 |page = 15}} In June 2004, this track-access application was rejected.{{cite web |url = http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/202.pdf |title = Application by Grand Central Railways Company Limited for a Track Access Contract |publisher = Office of the Rail Regulator |date = June 2004 |access-date = 21 September 2012 |archive-date = 29 October 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071029170828/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/202.pdf |url-status = dead }} {{Cite web |url=http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/202.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=21 September 2012 |archive-date=29 October 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029170828/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/202.pdf |url-status=bot: unknown }}{{cite news |title = Plans for new rail link hit the buffers |url = http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/local-west-yorkshire-news/2004/06/23/plans-for-new-rail-link-hit-the-buffers-86081-14359843/ |work = Huddersfield Daily Examiner |date = 23 June 2004 |access-date = 20 November 2011}}{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central plans rejected as ORR says figures don't stack up |magazine = Rail |issue = 491 |date = 7 July 2004 |page = 10}}{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central's Trans-Pennine HST plan is axed by Regulator |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 99 |date = August 2004 |page = 4}}{{cite magazine |title = Regulator gives thumbs down to Grand Central |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1240 |date = August 2004 |page = 7}}

While establishing its operations, Grand Central reached out to the coach operator Fraser Eagle Group for assistance; during March 2006, Fraser Eagle opted to acquire a 79% shareholding in the venture.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.enforbusiness.com/feature/fly-eagle?page=1%2C1 |title = Fly like an eagle |magazine = EN Magazine |date = 2006}} {{Cite web |url=http://www.enforbusiness.com/feature/fly-eagle?page=1%2C1 |title=En for Business - Business and Financial Education for Entrepreneurs |access-date=26 October 2012 |archive-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714145222/http://www.enforbusiness.com/feature/fly-eagle?page=1%2C1 |url-status=bot: unknown }}{{cite web |url = https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/720266.grand-railway-plan-coach-firm/ |title = Grand railway plan for coach firm |publisher = lancashiretelegraph.co.uk |first = Ben |last = Hewes|date = 31 March 2006 }} In response to the acquisition, Great North Eastern Railway (GNER) threatened to sever business ties with Fraser Eagle Group, with which it had active contracts to provide rail replacement buses.{{cite web |url = https://www.theguardian.com/business/2006/mar/28/transportintheuk |title = GNER threatens to ditch rival's contract |work = The Guardian |first = Andrew |last = Clark |date = 28 March 2006}}{{cite magazine |title = Fraser Eagle is mystery backer |magazine = Rail Business Intelligence |date = 6 April 2006 |page = 9}}

In February 2005, Grand Central applied to the ORR to operate four daily services from Sunderland to London King's Cross and four daily services from Bradford Interchange to London King's Cross using Class 67 locomotives hauling five Mark 3 carriages and a Driving Van Trailer.{{cite web |url = http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s17-gcen1_appfrm.pdf |title = Application to the Regulator for a Passenger Track Access Contract Under Section 17 of the Railways Act 1993 |publisher = Office of Rail Regulation |date = February 2005 |access-date = 21 September 2012 |archive-date = 20 November 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081120153819/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s17-gcen1_appfrm.pdf |url-status = dead }} {{Cite web |url=http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s17-gcen1_appfrm.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=21 September 2012 |archive-date=20 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120153819/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s17-gcen1_appfrm.pdf |url-status=bot: unknown }}Class 67s and Mk 3s for Grand Central's London-Bradford plan Rail issue 505 19 January 2005 page 10"Grand Central aims for Bradford service" The Railway Magazine issue 1246 February 2005 page 11"GC asks ORR for London link" Rail issue 511 13 April 2005 page 17 In March 2006, the ORR granted Grand Central access rights for three daily Sunderland to London King's Cross services.[http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/ecml_dec_230306.pdf Office of Rail Regulation decision on applications for the Track Access Rights necessary to operate additional passenger services on the East Coast Main Line] {{webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081201132431/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/ecml_dec_230306.pdf |date = 1 December 2008 }} Office of Rail Regulation March 2006"Grand Central wins East Coast paths approval" Rail issue 533 15 February 2006 page 12"Grand Central service approved as Hull Trains allowed to continue with fifth path" Today's Railways UK issue 53 May 2006 page 10 After unsuccessfully attempting to have the process reversed at an ORR hearing, the franchised operator GNER sought a judicial review of the decision to grant Grand Central access rights, but this was rejected by the High Court in July 2006.{{cite news |url = https://www.theguardian.com/business/2006/jul/28/transportintheuk.travelnews |title = GNER fails to block rival's east coast line service |newspaper = The Guardian |location = London |date = 28 July 2006 |first = Katie |last = Allen}}{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railpro.co.uk/magazine/archive/PDFs/sep06legal.pdf |title = Decisions Decisions |magazine = Rail Professional |date = September 2006}} {{Dead link|date = September 2018 |bot = InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted = yes }}{{cite magazine |title = GNER fury as Grand Central wins ECML paths |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1261 |date = May 2006 |page = 4}}

During March 2007, it was announced that Fraser Eagle had sold its 79% shareholding in Grand Central for £10{{nbsp}}million to a pair of former managers of Prism Rail, who were backed by a private equity group.{{cite news |newspaper = The Independent |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/former-prism-bosses-buy-grand-central-in-16310m-deal-440139.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090204193314/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/former-prism-bosses-buy-grand-central-in-16310m-deal-440139.html |url-status = dead |archive-date = 4 February 2009 |title = Former Prism bosses buy Grand Central in £10 million deal |first = Michael |last = Harrison |date = 14 March 2007 |access-date = 9 June 2010 | location = London }}{{Cite web|title = On track for a rail profit |url = https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/1268701.track-rail-profit/ |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200229061758/https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/1268701.track-rail-profit/ |archive-date = 29 February 2020 |access-date = 24 June 2021 |website = Lancashire Telegraph |date = 19 March 2007 |language = en}}{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central sold but service unlikely to start on schedule |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 132 |date = May 2007 |page = 6}}

Operations were originally due to start in May 2007, however, delays in the procurement and refurbishment of rolling stock were reportedly encountered.{{cite news |url = http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/tm_method%3Dfull%26objectid%3D17888929%26siteid%3D50081-name_page.html |title = London rail service winner has no trains |date = 7 October 2006 |newspaper = The Journal |location = Newcastle upon Tyne |access-date = 9 June 2010 |first = Ross |last = Smith |archive-date = 7 February 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090207102839/http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/tm_method%3Dfull%26objectid%3D17888929%26siteid%3D50081-name_page.html |url-status = dead }}{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6595341.stm |title = Second delay for new rail service |date = 26 April 2007 |access-date = 27 April 2007 |work = BBC News Online}}{{cite press release |url = http://www.grandcentralrail.co.uk/news.html?id=news052 |title = A message from Grand Central's new Managing Director Tom Clift |date = 16 October 2007 |access-date = 25 October 2007 |publisher = Grand Central |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071114135858/http://www.grandcentralrail.co.uk/news.html?id=news052 |archive-date = 14 November 2007 }}

File:GRAND CENTRAL 2 Launch Day.JPG at London King's Cross on 18 December 2007, the first day of Grand Central services]]

On 18 December 2007, operations commenced between Sunderland and London King's Cross. While awaiting delivery of all of the rolling stock, Grand Central initially operated only one Sunderland{{snd}}King's Cross and one York{{snd}}King's Cross service in each direction.{{cite web |date = 22 February 2008 |title = Grand Central set for March launch |url = http://www.therailwaycentre.com/News%20February%202008/220208_GC.html |url-status = usurped |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090203174725/http://www.therailwaycentre.com/News%20February%202008/220208_GC.html |archive-date = 3 February 2009 |access-date = 25 February 2008 |publisher = The Railway Centre}}{{cite press release |url = http://www.grandcentralrail.co.uk/news.html?id=news055 |title = Latest news on Grand Central launch |date = 19 November 2007 |access-date = 21 November 2007 |publisher = Grand Central }}{{dead link|date = September 2017 |bot = InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted = yes }}{{cite magazine |title = Right away at last for Grand Central |magazine = Today's Railways UK |issue = 74 |date = February 2008 |page = 9}} During March 2008, the full timetable was introduced.{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central: worth the wait? |magazine = Rail |issue = 585 |date = 13 February 2008 |page = 41}} Mechanical problems with the InterCity 125 fleet led to services being regularly cancelled, as well as a reduced service being operated between May and July 2008.{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7409823.stm |title = Train firm forced to cut services |work = BBC News |date = 20 May 2008}}{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7493736.stm |title = New delay for troubled rail firm |work = BBC News |date = 7 July 2008 }}

During March 2008, Grand Central applied to the ORR to operate three daily services from Bradford Interchange to London King's Cross.{{cite web |url = http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s18-ecml-GCU_280308.pdf |title = Track Access Rights on the East Coast Main Line |publisher = Office of Rail Regulation |date = 28 March 2008 |access-date = 24 April 2008 |archive-date = 25 June 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080625114125/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s18-ecml-GCU_280308.pdf |url-status = dead }} {{Cite web |url=http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s18-ecml-GCU_280308.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=24 April 2008 |archive-date=25 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625114125/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s18-ecml-GCU_280308.pdf |url-status=bot: unknown }}{{cite magazine |title = Grand Union applies to run Bradford-London services |magazine = Rail |issue = 591 |date = 7 May 2008 |page = 14}} In January 2009, it was granted access rights for three daily Bradford Interchange to King's Cross services until December 2014 and a fourth Sunderland to London King's Cross service until May 2012.{{cite web |url = http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.9430 |title = ORR announces its proposed decision on East Coast Main Line track access applications |publisher = Office of Rail Regulation |date = 29 January 2009 |access-date = 21 September 2012 |archive-date = 11 November 2010 |archive-url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20101111051306/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.9430 |url-status = dead }} {{Cite web |url=http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.9430 |title=Archived copy |access-date=21 September 2012 |archive-date=11 November 2010 |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20101111051306/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.9430 |url-status=dead }}{{cite magazine |title = Grand Northern set for Bradford |magazine = Rail |issue = 611 |date = 11 February 2009 |page = 20}} During August 2009, the fourth daily Sunderland{{ndash}}London service started.{{cite news |url = http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Grand-Central-starts-fourth-train.5557895.jp |title = Grand Central starts fourth train to King's Cross |newspaper = Sunderland Echo |date = 17 August 2009 |first = Kevin |last = Clark |access-date = 9 June 2010 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite magazine |title = Additional Grand Central service begins |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1302 |date = October 2009 |page = 73}}

In February 2010, the ORR announced that all access rights had been extended until December 2016.{{cite web |url = http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.9949 |title = ORR approves East Coast Main Line track access applications |publisher = Office of Rail Regulation |date = 11 February 2010 |access-date = 21 September 2012 |archive-date = 4 September 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120904160942/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.9949 |url-status = dead }}

On 23 May 2010, Grand Central services between Bradford Interchange and King's Cross began.{{cite web |url = http://www.grandcentralrail.co.uk/West%20Riding%2023MAY10.pdf |access-date = 20 November 2011 |title = West Riding Timetable |date = May 2010 |publisher = Grand Central}}{{cite web |url = http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/local-west-yorkshire-news/2010/05/20/an-historic-journey-to-london-with-grand-central-west-riding-service-86081-26481173/ |access-date = 20 November 2011 |title = An historic journey to London with Grand Central West Riding Service |work = Huddersfield Daily Examiner |date = 20 May 2010}}{{cite magazine |title = May start for Grand Central Bradford services |magazine = Today's Railways UK |issue = 101 |date = May 2010 |page = 11}}{{cite magazine |title = GC eyes further destinations as West Yorkshire trains start |magazine = Rail |issue = 645 |date = 2 June 2010 |page = 14}}{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central starts Bradford service |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1311 |date = July 2010 |page = 6}} It had been hoped that the service would start in December 2009, but difficulties in securing rolling stock caused delay.{{cite news |url = http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/London-rail-link-blow-Service.5567438.jp |title = London rail link blow: Service will be delayed until May |date = 19 August 2009 |access-date = 21 August 2009 |newspaper = Halifax Evening Courier |first = Colin |last = Drury |archive-date = 22 August 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090822120504/http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/London-rail-link-blow-Service.5567438.jp |url-status = dead }}

In November 2011, Grand Central was bought out by Arriva UK Trains for an undisclosed amount.{{cite press release |url = http://www.arriva.co.uk/media_centre/press_releases/2011/november/2011-11-04.aspx? |title = Arriva acquires open access operator Grand Central Railway |publisher = Arriva |date = 4 November 2011 |access-date = 18 July 2013 |archive-date = 9 August 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140809160757/http://www.arriva.co.uk/media_centre/press_releases/2011/november/2011-11-04.aspx |url-status = dead }}{{cite news |url = http://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/news/arriva-acquires-open-access-operator-grand-central-railway |title = Arriva acquires open access operator Grand Central Railway |date = 5 November 2011 |access-date = 12 February 2012 |first = Chris |last = Milner |work = The Railway Magazine |location = Horncastle |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111117012002/http://www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/news/arriva-acquires-open-access-operator-grand-central-railway |archive-date = 17 November 2011 }}{{cite news |url = http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/general/2011/11/04-germans-buy-openaccess-operator-grand.html |title = Germans buy open-access operator Grand Central |date = 4 November 2011 |access-date = 12 February 2012 |work = Railnews |location = Stevenage}} At the time of the takeover, Grand Central had 123 employees, a turnover of £18.9 million and debts of £44 million.{{cite news |url = http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/11/05/transport-giant-arriva-takeover-grand-central-61634-29725010/ |title = Transport giant Arriva takeover (sic) Grand Central |work = The Journal |location = Newcastle upon Tyne |first = Iain |last = Laing |date = 5 November 2011 |access-date = 12 February 2012 |archive-date = 8 November 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111108040330/http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2011/11/05/transport-giant-arriva-takeover-grand-central-61634-29725010/ |url-status = dead }}

Since December 2011, Bradford services have made an additional stop at Mirfield.{{cite press release |url= http://www.grandcentralrail.com/mirfield-pr |title= Mirfield gets direct rail services to and from London |publisher= Grand Central |date=9 December 2011 |access-date=26 October 2012 |archive-date=14 February 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120214224142/http://www.grandcentralrail.com/mirfield-pr |url-status=dead }} During December 2012, a fifth service was operated on the Sunderland to London route; however, on account of pathing difficulties, it initially started at Hartlepool.{{cite press release |url= https://www.grandcentralrail.com/about-us/news-press/extra-daily-train-service-to-and-from-london-kings-cross-from-december/ |title=Extra daily train service to and from London Kings Cross from December |publisher= Grand Central |date=24 October 2012}} In December 2013, a fourth daily Bradford to London King's Cross service began.{{cite magazine |title=ORR approves Grand Central's fourth Bradford service |magazine=Rail |location= Peterborough |issue=725 |date=26 June 2013 |page=15}}

In August 2014, Grand Central was granted an extension of its operating rights until December 2026.{{cite web |url= http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/track%20access/1%20current%20consultations/2013.08.05%20grand%20central%20tac%20application%20-%20closing%20date%202%20september%202013/gcformps17.pdf |title= Application to the Office of Rail Regulation for a track access agreement |publisher= Grand Central |date= August 2013}} {{Dead link|date = January 2020 |bot = InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted = yes }}{{cite news |url= http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/business/grand-central-sunderland-to-london-rail-service-given-10-year-extension-1-6772204 |title= Grand Central Sunderland to London rail service given 10 year extension |newspaper= Sunderland Echo |date=7 August 2014 |access-date=7 August 2014 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224454/http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/business/grand-central-sunderland-to-london-rail-service-given-10-year-extension-1-6772204 |url-status=dead}}{{cite magazine |title=GC green light to run until 2026 |magazine=Rail |location= Peterborough |issue=755 |date=20 August 2014 |page=13}}

From 3 April 2020, Grand Central temporarily suspended all services due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite magazine |last1=Roden |first1=Andrew |title=Grand Central suspends services for two months |magazine=Rail |date=22 April 2020 |issue=903 |page=8 |location= Peterborough}} A spokesperson for the company said "Grand Central has decided to suspend services and hibernate the company to protect their financial viability during this time of reduced passenger numbers." As Grand Central is not a franchised train operating company (TOC), it is not subject to the same government financial package as other franchised services.{{cite news |title=Train firm suspends services over coronavirus |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-52155969?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/england/york_and_north_yorkshire&link_location=live-reporting-story |access-date=5 April 2020 |work=BBC News |date=3 April 2020}} The company resumed operations on 26 July 2020, initially operating a limited service of five return journeys per day, to increase over subsequent months.{{Cite news |date=26 July 2020 |title=Grand Central relaunch rail services with more north east routes |url= https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2020-07-26/grand-central-relaunch-rail-services-with-more-north-east-routes |access-date=27 July 2020 |website=ITV News}}

Following the second lockdown announced by the UK government, Grand Central announced on 3 November 2020 that it would once again suspend all services from 6 November.{{cite news |last1=Laycock |first1=Mike |title=York train company to suspend all services after lockdown starts |url= https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/18844397.york-train-company-grand-central-suspend-services/?ref=rss |access-date=3 November 2020 |work=The Press |location=York |date=3 November 2020 }} After the second lockdown ended, Grand Central resumed service on 3 December 2020 with a limited timetable and a reservation-only policy on all its services.{{Cite web |title=Grand Central to resume services in December |url= https://www.insidermedia.com/news/yorkshire/grand-central-to-resume-services-in-december |date=26 November 2020 |first=Stephen |last=Farrell |access-date=3 December 2020 |website=Insider Media }} After the third lockdown's announcement, Grand Central announced on 6 January 2021 that it would once again be suspending all services from 9 January to 1 March 2021.{{Cite news |date=6 January 2021 |title=Grand Central cancels ALL London to Bradford and Sunderland trains |url= https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/01/grand-central-cancels-all-london-to-bradford-and-sunderland-trains.html |access-date=8 January 2021 |website=RailAdvent }}

{{Routemap

|title=Grand Central (E) Services

|map=

Bradford Interchange! !\KINTa\

Low Moor! !\HST\

Halifax! !\HST\

Brighouse! !\HST\

Mirfield ! !\HST\KINTa~~Sunderland {{rint|newcastle}}

Wakefield Kirkgate! !\HST\HST~~Hartlepool

KRW+l\KRWgr\HST~~Eaglescliffe

Pontefract Monkhill! !HST\STR\HST~~Northallerton

KRWl\KRWg+r\HST~~Thirsk

Doncaster! !\BHF\INT~~York

\KRWg+l\KRWr

\STR\~~

\HST\~~Peterborough

\STR\~~

\KINTe\~~London King's Cross {{rint|London|underground}}

}}

Grand Central connects Yorkshire and the North East to London with two routes.

Five daily services on the North East to London route run between Sunderland and London King's Cross calling at Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe, Northallerton, Thirsk and York. This route is known as the North Eastern service.{{cite web |url = http://www.grandcentralrail.com/tickets-timetables/train-timetables/north-east-and-yorkshire-timetable/ |title = Timetable |publisher = Grand Central}} Grand Central has in the past given names to two trains on this route.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}} Contrary to tradition in British named train services, these were individual one-way trips rather than pairs. In the 2008 timetable, the name The Zephyr was given to the early morning (06:41) departure from Sunderland, while the evening (16:50) train from London was called The 21st Century Limited. As of the 2012 timetable, these names are no longer used by the company.

Four daily services which run on the Yorkshire to London route operate between Bradford Interchange and London King's Cross calling at Low Moor, Halifax, Brighouse, Mirfield, Wakefield Kirkgate, and Doncaster. Some services also call at Pontefract Monkhill and/or Peterborough. This is known as the West Riding (or West Yorkshire) service.

In December 2017, Grand Central announced plans to bid for a service from London King's Cross to {{rws|Cleethorpes}} in early 2018 for a date in 2020. It would involve the existing Bradford Interchange service extended to ten coaches from London to Doncaster then dividing with five coaches going to Cleethorpes via {{rws|Scunthorpe}}, {{rws|Barnetby}}, {{rws|Habrough}} and Grimsby.{{cite news |url= http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/grimsby-cleethorpes-could-direct-train-966097 |title=Grimsby and Cleethorpes could get direct trains to London by 2020 |work= Grimsby Telegraph |date=27 December 2017}} The other five coaches would be the existing service to Bradford Interchange. This proposal would require permission for a split of trains as it has not been used on the East Coast Main Line before.{{cite web |url= http://www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/news/scunthorpe-news/scunthorpe-could-direct-trains-london-977794 |title= Scunthorpe could get direct trains to London by 2020 |work= Scunthorpe Telegraph |date=27 December 2017}} In February 2018, Grand Central announced plans for an additional call at {{rws|Crowle}}.{{cite news |url= https://www.scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk/news/scunthorpe-news/scunthorpe-london-rail-link-remains-1214395 |title= Scunthorpe to London rail link remains on track as plans move closer to becoming reality |work= Scunthorpe Telegraph |date=15 February 2018}} The company planned to operate four trains per day from 2020.{{Cite news |date=12 July 2018 |title= New rail charges could disrupt plan to run direct trains to Grimsby |newspaper=Grimsby Telegraph|publisher=Reach plc|location=Grimsby |first=Patrick |last=Daly |url= https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/new-rail-charges-could-disrupt-1775455 |access-date=24 June 2021}} However, in July 2018, the Office of Rail and Road announced new access charges which would affect the business case for the new service, leading to Grand Central announcing that it would delay bidding until 2019.

In March 2018, Grand Central announced that it had applied for six services from London to Sunderland, up from five now, and six services from London to Bradford Interchange, up from four now, which would use Adelante trains.{{Cite news |last= Gerrard |first= Bradley |date=8 March 2018 |title= Virgin Trains rival Grand Central applies to run more services on East Coast mainline |work=The Telegraph |location= London |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2018/03/08/virgin-trains-rival-grand-central-applies-run-services-east/ |access-date = 24 June 2021}}

In May 2018, Grand Central announced plans to add an additional evening service before 22:00 between York and London. This service would be ten carriages long.{{Cite web |title = Plans for new evening train service between York and London |url = https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/16227263.plans-new-grand-central-evening-train-service-york-london/ |access-date = 24 June 2021 |website = York Press |date = 15 May 2018 |language = en}}

Grand Central applied for an additional early morning service and an evening service from London to Wakefield; it was rejected because it did not meet the economic criteria.{{Cite web |title= Application To The Office Of Rail Regulation For A Passenger Track Access Agreement Or Amendment To A Passenger Track Access Agreement Under Sections 17-22A Of The Railways Act 1993 |url= http://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/22808/s22-gc-6th-sa-app-form.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180308041737/http://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/22808/s22-gc-6th-sa-app-form.pdf |archive-date=8 March 2018 |access-date=24 June 2021 |website= Office Of Rail and Rail}}{{Cite web |title=Train company blocked from running new services from Yorkshire to London |url= https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/train-company-blocked-running-new-services-yorkshire-london-593950 |access-date=24 June 2021 |work= The Yorkshire Post |location= Leeds |date=20 December 2017}} However, in May 2018, Grand Central reapplied for the service.{{Cite web |title= Application To The Office Of Rail Regulation For A Passenger Track Access Agreement Or Amendment To A Passenger Track Access Agreement Under Sections 17-22A Of The Railways Act 1993 |url= http://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/27687/s22a-grand-central-7th-sa-application-form.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180517223545/http://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/27687/s22a-grand-central-7th-sa-application-form.pdf |archive-date=17 May 2018 |access-date=24 June 2021 |website= Office of Road and Rail}} This would see one train per day in each direction between London King's Cross and Wakefield.

Grand Central applied in April 2025 for a direct service between Newcastle and Brighton calling at Durham, Darlington, Northallerton, York, Doncaster, Sheffield, Derby, Burton-on-Trent, Birmingham New Street, Warwick Parkway, Banbury, Oxford, Reading, Wokingham, Guildford, Redhill, Gatwick Airport, and Haywards Heath.{{cite web |title=Arriva Group submits open access rail application to connect Newcastle and Brighton, via London Gatwick |url=https://news.arriva.co.uk/news/arriva-group-submits-open-access-rail-application-to-connect-newcastle-and-brighton-via-london-gatwick |website=Arriva PLC |access-date=3 May 2025 |language=english}}

The proposed service could start in December 2026.

Grand Central also previously expressed interest in operating services between York and Chester, between Bradford and London, between Lincoln and London, and between Blackpool and London.

During February 2005, Grand Central lodged an application with the Office of Rail Regulation to operate a three times a day York to Chester via the Caldervale Line service with Class 158s. This service would have called at Leeds, Wakefield Kirkgate, Brighouse, Rochdale, Manchester Victoria and Warrington Bank Quay.{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central aims for Chester and Sunderland |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 103 |date = December 2004 |page = 12}}

In September 2006, Grand Central announced a proposal to run services from Bradford Interchange via Huddersfield and the West Coast Main Line to London Euston. This service would have called at Halifax, Brighouse, Huddersfield, Stalybridge, Guide Bridge, Stockport, Crewe, Lichfield Trent Valley, Tamworth and Nuneaton.{{cite news |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4649511/New-rail-routes-planned.html |title= New rail routes planned |work=The Telegraph |location= London| date=20 September 2006}}{{cite news |url= http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/local-west-yorkshire-news/tm_objectid=17796602&method=full&siteid=50060&headline=off-to-london-from-huddersfield-station-name_page.html |title=Off to London from Huddersfield station |work= The Huddersfield Daily Examiner |date=21 September 2006}}{{cite magazine |title=Grand Central plans for Huddersfield via WCML |magazine=Rail |location= Peterborough |issue=549 |date=27 September 2006 |page=8}} The proposal was dropped due to Virgin Trains' Moderation of Competition protection preventing any other operators from operating on the West Coast Main Line.{{cite magazine |title=Grand Northern drops Bradford-Euston bid |magazine=Rail |issue=602 |date=8 October 2008 |page=18}}

In June 2010, following East Coast deciding not to proceed with plans for a proposed two hourly service between Lincoln and London King's Cross, Grand Central expressed an interest in running services, but was rejected. This service would have called at Newark North Gate and Grantham.{{cite news |newspaper = Lincolnshire Echo |location = Lincoln |url = http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/news/Lincoln-London-direct-rail-service-saved-train-operator/article-2344471-detail/article.html |title = Lincoln to London rail service could be saved by another train operator |date = 25 June 2010 |access-date = 25 June 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100627174926/http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/news/Lincoln-London-direct-rail-service-saved-train-operator/article-2344471-detail/article.html |archive-date = 27 June 2010 |url-status = dead }}

In November 2010, Grand Central applied to the ORR to operate a new service running four times a day in each direction between Blackpool North and London Euston via the West Coast Main Line, calling at Poulton-le-Fylde, Kirkham & Wesham, Preston, Hartford, Tamworth and Nuneaton. Grand Central sought to run these services from May 2012, using Class 67 locomotives hauling nine Mark 3 carriages and a Driving Van Trailer running at up to {{convert|110|mph|km/h|0|abbr=on}}, until such time as the Blackpool North - Preston line was electrified.{{cite web |url = http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s17-grand-central-wcml-application-form.pdf |archive-url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20101111125620/http%3A//www.rail%2Dreg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s17%2Dgrand%2Dcentral%2Dwcml%2Dapplication%2Dform.pdf |url-status = dead |archive-date = 11 November 2010 |title = Application to the Office of Rail Regulation for a passenger track access contract under section 17 of the Railways Act 1993 |year = 2010 |publisher = Office of Rail Regulation}}{{cite news |title = Blackpool through service proposed in West Coast path frenzy |work = Modern Railways |last = Miles |first = Tony |location = London |date = December 2010 |page = 6}} In March 2011, the Office of Rail Regulation rejected the application on the basis the service would be primarily abstractive, meaning it would generate most of its revenue by drawing custom away from existing operators rather than bringing new custom to the rail network.{{cite press release |url = http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.10328 |title = Regulator announces conclusions on future track access rights for the West Coast Main Line |publisher = Office of Rail Regulation |date = 2 March 2011 |access-date = 27 October 2012 |quote = refused Grand Central's application … failed our not primarily abstractive test |issue = ORR/02/11 |archive-date = 23 October 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121023211802/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.10328 |url-status = dead }}

{{Routemap

| title = Grand Central (W) Services

| map = \KINTa\~~Blackpool North {{rint|Blackpool}}

\HST\~~{{stnlnk|Poulton-le-Fylde}}

\HST\~~{{stnlnk|Kirkham and Wesham}}

\BHF\~~{{stnlnk|Preston}}

\HST\~~{{stnlnk|Nuneaton}}

\BHF\~~{{stnlnk|Milton Keynes Central}}

\KINTe\~~London Euston {{rint|London|underground}} {{rint|london|overground}}

}}

Sister company Great North Western Railway originally re-applied for paths with former London North Eastern Railway InterCity 225 sets to begin a service between Blackpool North and London Euston from September 2019. As these are not able to tilt, their speed is restricted to {{cvt|110|mph}}.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/alliance-drops-pendolino-plan-as-southampton-paths-identified.html |title = Alliance drops Pendolino plan as Southampton paths identified |magazine = Railway Gazette International |date = 19 July 2017 |location = London |access-date = 20 June 2017 |archive-date = 19 June 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170619172132/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/alliance-drops-pendolino-plan-as-southampton-paths-identified.html |url-status = dead }}{{cite web |url = http://www.alliancerail.co.uk/projects |publisher = Alliance Rail |title = Projects}}

In June 2018, the ORR approved the new application for a seven-year track-access agreement for five direct services from Blackpool North to London Euston, calling at Poulton-le-Fylde, Kirkham and Wesham, Preston, Nuneaton and Milton Keynes Central from September 2019.{{Cite web |title = Application for a new track access contract for services between London Euston and Blackpool North - Track access decision letter |date = 7 June 2018 |publisher = Office of Rail and Road |url = https://www.orr.gov.uk/media/14546 |access-date = 24 June 2021 |language = en}}{{Cite press release |url = http://www.alliancerail.co.uk/22-new-blackpool-to-london-rail-services-approved |title = New Blackpool to London rail services approved |publisher = Alliance Rail Holdings |location = York |access-date = 20 June 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180910181020/http://www.alliancerail.co.uk/22-new-blackpool-to-london-rail-services-approved |date = 7 June 2018 |archive-date = 10 September 2018 |url-status = dead }} An option for a sixth service in the future was available. The new service would have used the Mark 4 coaches as planned, but with {{BRC|90}} rather than Class 91 locomotives.{{cite magazine |last = Clinnick |first = Richard |date = 13 August 2019 |title = First Class 91 withdrawn from traffic by LNER |magazine = Rail |location = Peterborough}}

In June 2019, the proposed services were transferred from GNWR owner Alliance Rail Holdings to Grand Central. The services were due to begin in spring 2020, but were postponed until spring 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite magazine |date = 6 April 2020 |title = Grand Central follows Hull Trains in suspending open access services |url = https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/grand-central-follows-hull-trains-in-suspending-open-access-services/56183.article |access-date = 10 April 2020 |magazine = Railway Gazette International |location = London}} However, in September 2020, Grand Central announced that it had decided not to proceed with the introduction of the service following a collapse in projected patronage.{{Cite press release |title = Grand Central's planned Blackpool to London route falls victim to COVID-19 |date = 9 October 2020 |publisher = Grand Central |url = https://www.grandcentralrail.com/news/2020/grand-centrals-planned-blackpool-london-route-falls-victim-covid-19 |access-date = 5 April 2021}}

File:GRAND CENTRAL B Mark 3 TS 1 42401 Interior 1.JPG standard class interior]]

File:GRAND CENTRAL 43067 D Kings Cross.JPG at King's Cross in the original livery in February 2009]]

Grand Central's application to the ORR in February 2005 had proposed using Class 67 locomotives hauling five Mark 3 carriages and a Driving Van Trailer. As the paths were only granted on the basis of 125 mph stock being used, other stock had to be sourced. It was then proposed to use a fleet of Bombardier Transportation five-carriage Class 222 units, similar to those already in use with Midland Mainline and Hull Trains.{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central wants Class 222s |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1252 |date = August 2005 |page = 6}} Difficulty in securing these led to Grand Central deciding to use High Speed Trains.{{cite magazine |title = GC in HST deal talks |magazine = Rail |issue = 546 |date = 16 August 2006 |page = 14}}

In October 2006, sister company Sovereign Trains purchased six Class 43 power cars and 18 Mark 3 carriages from Porterbrook.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20061128192935/http://www.therailwaycentre.com/UK%20News%20Pages%20Oct%2006/051006-GCR.html Grand Central Railway to operate HST power cars and loco-hauled Mk3s]}} TheRailwayCentre.com 5 October 2006 The Class 43s, that all had buffers fitted when they were modified in the late 1980s for use with Class 91 locomotives during the electrification of the East Coast Main Line, were sent for overhaul at Devonport Management Limited, Plymouth.[http://www.125group.org.uk/index.php?module=htmlpages&func=display&pid=7 Sectorisation] 125 Group[http://www.125group.org.uk/index.php?module=htmlpages&func=display&pid=10 Privatisation October 2005 - Present] 125 Group The Mark 3s were overhauled at Marcroft Engineering, Stoke-on-Trent. Eighteen of the Mark 3 coaches were former Virgin Trains West Coast loco-hauled carriages that required rewiring in order to work with the power cars due to different electrical requirements.{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central buys HST and Mk 3s |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1268 |date = December 2006 |page = 71}}{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central buys its own stock |magazine = Today's Railways UK |issue = 60 December 2006 |page = 6}}

Due to delays encountered during the overhauls, Grand Central investigated leasing spare InterCity 125 sets from Midland Mainline.{{cite magazine |title = HST not ready for GC open access launch next month |magazine = Rail |issue = 564 |date = 25 April 2007 |page = 7}} However, nothing came of this and it was not until December 2007 that enough stock had been delivered for operations to commence. The full fleet was in service by March 2008.{{cite magazine |title = More stock…Grand Central finally starts its full timetable |magazine = Rail |issue = 587 |date = 12 March 2008 |page = 13}}{{cite magazine |title = Full Grand Central service underway |magazine = Today's Railways UK |location= Sheffield |issue=77 |date=May 2008 |page=15}}{{cite magazine |title= Grand Central's full service is up and running |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue=1285 |date=May 2008 |page=78}}

Problems encountered with the rolling stock, including all six of the power cars being out of traffic at the same time, saw Grand Central hire Class 67 locomotives from the freight haulage company English Welsh & Scottish (EWS), Class 47s from Riviera Trains, and Class 57s from Virgin Trains to haul Riviera Trains' Mark 2 carriages on shuttles from Sunderland to York in summer 2008 as well as InterCity power cars from Midland Mainline.[http://sulzerpower.com/grandcentral.html Grand Central Class 47 Haulage, 2008] {{Webarchive|url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121005051212/http://sulzerpower.com/grandcentral.html |date = 5 October 2012 }} Sulzer Power{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central hires 67s as two of three HSTs fail |magazine = Rail |location= Peterborough |issue=591 |date=7 May 2008 |page=16}}{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central turns to loco-hauled Mark 2s as HSTs struggle |magazine = Today's Railways UK |issue = 78 |date = June 2008 |page = 11}}{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central ditches 47s in favour of 57s |magazine = Rail |issue = 595 |date = 2 July 2008 |page = 12}}

In March 2010, the InterCity 125s were sold to Angel Trains which funded an overhaul including re-powering the Class 43 at Brush Traction with MTU 16V4000R41 engines.{{cite web |url = http://www.angeltrains.co.uk/en/news/715-angel-trains-in-hst-leaseback-deal-with-grand-central |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130419144851/http://www.angeltrains.co.uk/en/news/715-angel-trains-in-hst-leaseback-deal-with-grand-central |url-status = dead |archive-date = 19 April 2013 |title = Angel Trains in HST Lease-Back Deal with Grand Central |publisher = Angel Trains |date = 2 March 2010 }}{{cite magazine |title = Angel Trains buys Grand Central's High Speed Trains |magazine = Rail |issue = 639 |date = 10 March 2010 |page = 15}}{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central deal will see last six Valenta-engined HST power cars rebuilt |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 167 |date = April 2010 |page = 5}}{{cite magazine |title = Angel acquires Grand Central HSTs: MTU engines on way |magazine = Today's Railways UK |issue = 101 |date = May 2010 |page = 60}}

To operate the fourth Sunderland service, a pair of Class 180s were leased from Angel Trains in 2009,{{cite web |url = http://www.grandcentralrail.com/new-trains/ |title = New Trains for the New Service |publisher = Grand Central |access-date = 26 October 2012 |archive-date = 22 July 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120722052510/http://www.grandcentralrail.com/new-trains/ |url-status = dead }}{{cite magazine |title = Two Adelantes on their way to Grand Central |magazine = Rail |issue = 613 |date = 11 March 2009 |page = 10}}{{cite magazine |title = Grand Central to get Adelantes |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1296 |date = April 2009 |page = 83}}{{cite magazine |title = GC secures lease for two 180s |magazine = Today's Railways UK |issue = 89 |date = May 2009 |page = 63}} followed by another three to operate the Bradford services in 2010.{{cite web |url = http://www.grandcentralrail.com/westridingupdate |title = Grand Central signs up three additional trains for new 'West Riding' service |publisher = Grand Central |access-date = 26 October 2012 |archive-date = 22 July 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120722051947/http://www.grandcentralrail.com/westridingupdate |url-status = dead }} {{Cite web |url=http://www.grandcentralrail.com/westridingupdate |title=Three additional trains for the West Riding |access-date=26 October 2012 |archive-date=22 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722051947/http://www.grandcentralrail.com/westridingupdate |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |publisher = Network Rail |url = http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/network%20code/vehicle%20change/completed%20vehicle%20changes/grand%20central%20class%20180/e%20acceptance.pdf |title = Acceptance of proposed vehicle change |date = 11 June 2008}} {{Dead link|date=October 2012}} Before entering service, 180112 was named James Herriot in July 2009.{{cite news |date = August 2009 |title = Grand Central honours Yorkshire vet 'James Herriot' |journal = Railway Herald |location = Scunthorpe |issue = 188 |page = 3 |url = http://www.railwayherald.co.uk/magazine/pdf/RHUK/Issue188.pdf |access-date = 30 June 2011}} The remaining two units, 180105 and 180114, entered service later in 2009.{{cite news |last = Miles |first = Tony |date = August 2009 |title = Third Adelante for Grand Union |work = Modern Railways |location = London |page = 92}} Grand Central secured two further Class 180s, 180101 and 180107, bringing the total number to five.{{cite news |work = Rail |location = Peterborough |issue = 624 |page = 15 |title = GC sets out plan for five '180s' by 2010 |date = 12 August 2009}} The Class 180 fleet operate both Sunderland and Bradford services, with the InterCity 125 trains usually only operating services to Sunderland, although they have operated to Bradford on occasions.{{cite magazine |title = Rare Bradford visit for Grand Central HST |magazine = Rail |issue = 766 |date = 21 January 2015 |page = 31}}

Grand Central withdrew its HST fleet at the end of 2017, with a transfer to East Midlands Trains for the three six-car sets. The company received five additional Class 180 Adelante sets from Great Western Railway (GWR), made available due to the rollout of the Intercity Express Programme.{{Cite news |url = http://www.pressreader.com/uk/rail-uk/20171220/281960313112051 |title = Grand Central to replace HSTs with cascaded Class 180s |work = Rail (UK) |access-date = 22 December 2017}}

Initially, Grand Central adopted an all black livery with doors painted gold (first class) and silver (standard class). When the Class 180 was introduced, an orange band was introduced.{{cite magazine |date=November 2010 |title=New look GC HST |magazine=The Railway Magazine |issue=1315 |page=76}}

In June 2023 it was announced that Grand Central would be leasing two Class 221 units (numbers 221142 and 221143) for use on services between London King's Cross and Bradford.{{cite magazine |title=Class 221 Super Voyager |department=Units |magazine=Rail Express |issue=326 |date=July 2023 |page=21 |publisher=Mortons Media Group |place=Horncastle |issn=1362-234X}}

In April 2025, Grand Central announced that it had ordered nine five-car trains from Hitachi Rail. These trains would be able to run on overhead lines, battery or diesel and were to be introduced in 2028.{{cite press release |url= https://news.arriva.co.uk/news/arriva-group-invests-in-new-battery-hybrid-train-fleet-in-boost-to-uk-rail-industry |title=Arriva Group invests in new battery hybrid train fleet in boost to UK rail industry |publisher= Arriva Group |date=3 April 2025}}

Grand Central were to procure sets for services between Blackpool North and London Euston, made up of six Mark 4 coaches hauled by a Class 90 locomotive, and tailed by a driving van trailer, however these were returned off-lease due to the cancellation of the route.{{Cite web |title = Grand Central's planned Blackpool to London route falls victim to COVID-19 |publisher = Grand Central Rail |url = https://www.grandcentralrail.com/news/2020/grand-centrals-planned-blackpool-london-route-falls-victim-covid-19 |access-date = 10 September 2020}} The rolling stock had already been overhauled and training runs had commenced before the service was cancelled in September 2020.{{cite magazine |title = GC Blackpool training underway |magazine = Railways Illustrated |date = May 2020 |page = 8}}

{{more citations needed section|date=July 2023}}

Grand Central's fleet is maintained at Heaton and Crofton depots. Between the 2011 Arriva takeover and the fleet's retirement in 2017, heavy maintenance on the InterCity 125 was performed at Arriva TrainCare, Crewe.{{cite web |url = http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s22-grand-central-26sa-decision-letter.pdf |title = Approval of the Twenty-sixth supplemental agreement to the track access contract between Network Rail Infrastructure Limited and Grand Central Railway Company Limited |publisher = Office of Rail Regulation |date = 17 April 2012 |access-date = 27 October 2012 |archive-date = 23 October 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121023234047/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s22-grand-central-26sa-decision-letter.pdf |url-status = dead }}

• {{annotated link|Grand Central, Birmingham}}

{{Reflist}}

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{{UK TOCs|current|state=collapsed}}

{{Arriva Group UK}}

{{Deutsche Bahn}}

{{Railway stations served by Grand Central}}

Category:Arriva Group companies

Category:Open-access train operating companies

Category:Railway companies established in 2007

Category:2007 establishments in England