Arriva’s British open access operator Grand Central is applying for a licence extension, saying that it will order new bi-mode trains if the extension is granted.

Grand Central is asking the Office of Rail and Road for a continuation of its track access rights beyond 2027. GC had already applied earlier this year for a new station call at Seaham, and additional services between York and London.

If it does order new trains they would replace the present fleet, which is 24 years old.

Arriva bought Grand Central in 2011, but Grand Central began operating on its first route between London and Sunderland in December 2007.

However, its application had triggered court action by the Intercity East Coast franchise operator GNER, which claimed that its new competitor benefited from lower track access charges. GNER did not succeed, and surrendered its contract.

Grand Central said its application had been approved by local businesses which included Hays Travel and Halifax Town football club, as well as the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.

Paul Hutchings is the managing director responsible for Grand Central.

He said: ‘We’re proud of the role we play at Grand Central in connecting underserved communities across Yorkshire and the North East, and we’re grateful to be backed by local businesses who recognise the crucial role our services play in connecting businesses to opportunities that drive local growth.

‘We want to secure our long-term future in the region, creating the conditions to unlock investment in new trains at no cost to the taxpayer, expanding capacity and enabling us to deliver an even better experience for our passengers and the communities we serve.’