02 Apr 2015
New direct rail services proposed between Blackpool and London
Grand Central, part of the Arriva Group, today reveals proposals to introduce regular train services between Blackpool and London from 2017.
The proposals will see investment in new trains, more travelling options for rail users, new jobs introduced to the region, and will deliver significant economic benefits across the towns and cities served.
The open access rail operator is to seek approval from the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) and will shortly consult the rail industry on the plans.
Grand Central is recognised as the UK’s most trusted long distance rail company[1] according to recent research by Passenger Focus. The rail company also tops the UK rail operators in terms of passenger satisfaction, with a 94 per cent satisfaction rating in the latest National Rail Passenger Survey[2], and top place in the latest Which[3] train satisfaction survey.
The key features and benefits of the Grand Central service are:
- Six return trains a day between London and Blackpool - starting in 2017
- Investment in a fleet of new 6 coach Alstom Pendolino trains
- The creation of more than 120 new jobs
- Significant wider economic benefits across the towns and cities served, particularly Blackpool which has recently received Enterprise Zone status.
Richard McClean, managing director of Grand Central said: “Grand Central has a solid reputation for providing great services and achieving market leading customer satisfaction. Since we began in 2007 we have consistently scored highly in passenger surveys, with our services much valued by more than one million customers”.
“We are very excited about the opportunity to provide our market leading services for people on the West Coast Main Line and to delivering much needed services for Blackpool.”