Formed in 2000, Grand Central has been seeking to operate "open access" rail services for some time.
After being, unsuccessful with an initial application in 2003 to operate services across the North of England, from Newcastle to Manchester via the Calder Valley, Grand Central re-evaluated the changing requirements and criteria and submitted a detailed and ultimately successful application in 2005 to start services on the Durham Coast between Sunderland and London Kings Cross.
Grand Central is also planning to bring direct London services to West Yorkshire, with sister company Grand Union looking to develop those further.
