Coronavirus restrictions force Grand Central to suspend all train services

York-based operator, Grand Central, which runs services between Sunderland, Bradford and London Kings Cross, said the measures were ‘necessary but temporary’ and it anticipated services would cease for an initial two months. The company operates under an ‘Open-Access’ business model and does not receive support from the government.

Grand Central’s decision follows in the footsteps of another British open-access operator, Hull Trains, which temporarily suspended all its train services on 30 March 2020.

Grand Central Managing Director, Richard McClean, said: “So far we have offered a rail service, under a reduced timetable, in order to keep key-workers moving at a time of crisis. This comes with all the costs of running a train service, while bringing no ticket revenue to our business.

“This situation is unsustainable and, following several days of discussion with the Department for Transport (DfT), we have no alternative but to suspend our services.

“We have also paused, until early 2021, the preparations for our new Blackpool to London Euston services, and the launch of our planned extra daily trains on Grand Central’s Sunderland to Kings Cross route.”

Richard said Grand Central had held talks with the three main rail unions to ensure the best possible outcome for staff during the hibernation and that the company would make full use of the government’s furlough scheme.

Richard continued: “A skeleton team will continue working to ensure Grand Central is ready to resume services as a thriving train operator, serving communities across the country, once restrictions ease. We recognise this will be disappointing news and we know how many people rely on our services and we thank all our customers for their fantastic support and understanding.”

Richard also recognised the efforts of Grand Central staff, whom he said had proved ‘professional, understanding and supportive throughout this situation’. “I emphasise that while these measures are necessary now, we are planning for them to be temporary,” he said. “Grand Central enters this new chapter from a strong position. My team and I will do everything we can to get Grand Central back on track once restrictions are lifted.”

The business has been a rail industry success story since it was founded in 2007, initially running services between Sunderland and London Kings Cross. In 2010, it began services between Bradford and London. Grand Central has been part of Arriva since 2011.