Arriva is applying for an extension to the track access agreement for Grand Central, which would take its open access licence to 2038.

The application to the Office of Rail and Road for another 15 years on its East Coast Main Line routes includes proposals for a new fleet of bi-mode trains to replace the Class 180 Alstom diesels, which were built at the start of this century.

Arriva said a new fleet would mean that it could offer 20 per cent more seats on Grand Central between London and Sunderland, and London and Bradford.

It has started a consultation with stakeholders about its ambitions.

Arriva UK Trains managing director David Brown said: ‘Grand Central plays an important role within Arriva Group’s rail portfolio and securing long-term access will allow us to invest and grow, supporting the Government’s ambitions for Britain’s railways to thrive. Grand Central provides reliable and efficient journeys to passengers who would otherwise not have access to services and therefore plays an essential role in economic growth by connecting communities across the north of England.’

It is Arriva’s second application to the ORR for an expansion of Grand Central this year.

On 20 May Arriva proposed to run up to two more daily return services between London and Bradford, provide an additional early morning departure from York to London King’s Cross and a late-evening return service, four daily calls at Seaham on the Sunderland route and more calls at Peterborough.

However, Network Rail replied on 28 June that it ‘cannot currently support the additional rights … because they would potentially interact with other known applications … Grand Central at present does not call at Seaham and so Network Rail would need to understand the operational risk assessment for such calls.’

Arriva is currently the holder of National Rail contracts for CrossCountry and Chiltern Railways, but these are due to be terminated as part of the government’s plans to renationalise the remaining former passenger franchises over the next three years. It also holds the Transport for London concession to operate London Overground.