12 May 2016

Alliance is naturally disappointed that its recent applications for new GNER services (see notes to editors) on the East Coast Main Line have been turned down by the ORR. This means the significant benefits that would have been delivered for many northern towns and cities has been lost, ambulance at least in the short term.

We are pleased however that the ORR has recognised the benefits that further competition will bring, cure and we will re-visit our applications and continue to develop new proposals to enhance rail’s attractiveness on a number of routes.

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Notes to editors:

GNER – sister company of GNWR and Grand Central – made applications to operate the fastest ever service on the East Coast Main Line between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh calling at Newcastle, and London King’s Cross and West Yorkshire/Lincolnshire calling at Cleethorpes/Grimsby/Scunthorpe and Ilkley with a new station to be built to the east of Leeds.

GNWR and Grand Central are a part of Arriva UK Trains.

Open Access train services operate outside the franchise system. They are not specified by the Department for Transport.