Grand Central up and running again
ARRIVAOWNED Grand Central (GC) restarted operations from July 26.
The company had paused its open access operation from early April because of coronavirus, and placed staff on furlough.
Announcing the decision on June 30 has allowed passengers to book tickets for two daily return Bradford Exchange to London King’s Cross operations and three daily return workings between Sunderland and the capital. More services will be added as demand increases.
Drivers and operational staff spent time in July familiarising themselves once again with the trains and routes, as well as the enhanced safety measures, which has led to increased cleaning during the journey and overnight at depots, plus protective equipment for staff.
‘Hard work’
Managing director Richard McClean said having been faced with the fact GC could not run a viable service with social distancing in place and a ban on non-essential travel, there has been much hard work to plan every aspect of a safe, sustainable return.
He added the lockdown had eased to such a degree that GC began a measured return to service from late-July.
On July 24, GC said demand had led it to add an extra Sunderland service from August 23, with an additional Bradford working from September 13.
The launch date of a new five-times-a-day open access Blackpool North to London Euston operation will remain under review.
■ As we closed for press, there was no news about open access operator Hull Trains restarting its operations.