Newcastle to Brighton link restores for service lost in 2008

 
The proposal would form part of Arriva’s Grand Central open access operation

 
Arriva has submitted an open access application to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for a new rail service stretching almost the entire length of England, running directly between Newcastle and Brighton via Gatwick Airport.

The proposal would form part of Arriva’s Grand Central open access operation and aims to begin operations in December 2026, with five trains per day in each direction. Arriva says it has identified spare paths on the network and formally notified Network Rail of its plans.

The proposed route includes stops at key locations such as Durham, York, Birmingham New Street, Oxford, and Guildford, among others. The move would restore cross-country links to the south coast city and Gatwick; until 2008 Arriva subsidiary CrossCountry operated services linking Brighton with Scotland via the proposed route.

Paul Hutchings, managing director of Arriva UK Trains’ Rail Services, said: “We’re committed to connecting communities and enabling more people to travel in ways that are convenient and sustainable, so we’re very pleased to be submitting this application for the first direct service between Newcastle and Brighton, opening up new travel opportunities and making better use of available network capacity – all while building on Grand Central’s proud history of connecting traditionally underserved communities.

This is an exciting time for Grand Central’s growth story

“This is an exciting time for Grand Central’s growth story and follows the extension of our existing access rights to 2038 as well as the recent announcement of an investment of around £300 million in a new battery hybrid train fleet for our existing routes, further underlining our commitment and ambition for rail in the UK.”

Arriva’s application comes amid a wave of open access proposals following Labour’s post-election pledge to renationalise former franchise operators still in private hands. South Western Railway is the first operator scheduled to return to public ownership, with the handover set for next month.

London Gatwick Airport welcomed the proposed link. Chief commercial officer Jonathan Pollard said: “We welcome Arriva’s exploration of a regular service between London Gatwick, the Midlands and North East… this enhanced connectivity would support underserved areas, while strengthening and growing our catchment.”

Arriva is awaiting decisions on other open access applications, including two extra daily return services between Bradford and London and an early morning and late evening return from York to London. The group has also proposed a new direct service from London King’s Cross to Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

Other applicants that have submitted new open access applications in recent months include Alstom, FirstGroup, and Virgin Trains.

 
This article appears in the latest issue of Passenger Transport.

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