(27 Jul 2015, 8:20 pm)Busman69 wrote That's quite worrying, as it seems that would be a direct barrier to any competition, and being detrimental to the consumer. Is there not a competition regulator for these things, to stop one service creating a monopoly.

You would think so.

But look at who operates on the ECML, WCML and Midland Mainline and their shareholders.
Then look at who operates coach services between Scotland and England down both sides of the country and who flies from Edinburgh to London.
There is a common theme and the two dominant figures both have beards

The operators into London from the home counties are also worth looking at.
The main player, have their registered office on Grey St.

The open market has failed the consumer.

(27 Jul 2015, 8:37 pm)Andreos1 wrote You would think so.

But look at who operates on the ECML, WCML and Midland Mainline and their shareholders.
Then look at who operates coach services between Scotland and England down both sides of the country and who flies from Edinburgh to London.
There is a common theme and the two dominant figures both have beards

The operators into London from the home counties are also worth looking at.
The main player, have their registered office on Grey St.

The open market has failed the consumer.

I'm sure that's why the split between Virgin and Stagecoach on the VTEC franchise is different so it evades the EU competition commission.

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/13636871...es_awards/

Has anyone else experienced the new Grand Central 180 first class?

Personally, I think the seats are dead smart, but not a fan of the vinyl wraps on the windows, they really restrict the view you get.

I sincerely hope they do something to the class 180 standard class, the old first moquette is looking extremely tired and does not fit with their brand identity at all.

(20 Dec 2015, 12:51 pm)8222 wrote Has anyone else experienced the new Grand Central 180 first class?

Personally, I think the seats are dead smart, but not a fan of the vinyl wraps on the windows, they really restrict the view you get.

I sincerely hope they do something to the class 180 standard class, the old first moquette is looking extremely tired and does not fit with their brand identity at all.

Evening all! Just about this post - does anyone know if Grand Central have plans for their standard class on the 180s? I just had an email through with a link to a survey. On it, one of the questions sought after ideas towards replacing all plug sockets with USB ports. Cannot say I am a fan of that... 

Here's the link:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/onboardsurvey2016

Has anyone else seen this on Grand Central's FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/grandcentralrai...89/?type=3&theater

(09 May 2016, 7:35 pm)8222 wrote Has anyone else seen this on Grand Central's FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/grandcentralrai...89/?type=3&theater

Blackpool to London Euston via the WCML has been accepted http://www.alliancerail.co.uk/2015/08/07...nd-london/

(09 May 2016, 7:38 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote Blackpool to London Euston via the WCML has been accepted http://www.alliancerail.co.uk/2015/08/07...nd-london/

I thought they would have left publicising that to a later date. I was hoping for a refurb of standard class on the 180s...  Here's hoping!

(09 May 2016, 7:43 pm)8222 wrote I thought they would have left publicising that to a later date. I was hoping for a refurb of standard class on the 180s...  Here's hoping!

I thought that too, Though most of the public will only know the " Grand Central " arm of Alliance Rail, Not the main body itself.

Its a shame they refurbed First Class but didn't touch Standard, The interiors all mismatched I think haha.

(09 May 2016, 7:35 pm)8222 wrote Has anyone else seen this on Grand Central's FB page:

https://www.facebook.com/grandcentralrai...89/?type=3&theater

They have been pushing those images on Twitter too.

(09 May 2016, 7:48 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote I thought that too, Though most of the public will only know the " Grand Central " arm of Alliance Rail, Not the main body itself.

Its a shame they refurbed First Class but didn't touch Standard, The interiors all mismatched I think haha.

Completely agree. I swear that standard have the same carpet/moquette that they were delivered in. Shocking when you compare them to the standard of the Hull Trains' units. They are lovely. They really need to up their game. I'd much rather one of their HSTs any day.

(09 May 2016, 7:57 pm)8222 wrote Completely agree. I swear that standard have the same carpet/moquette that they were delivered in. Shocking when you compare them to the standard of the Hull Trains' units. They are lovely. They really need to up their game. I'd much rather one of their HSTs any day.

It is indeed the original Moquette and carpets, Never been on a HT 180 yet so I couldn't comment on them though I have heard good things about them.
HST's for me too!

(09 May 2016, 8:01 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote It is indeed the original Moquette and carpets, Never been on a HT 180 yet so I couldn't comment on them though I have heard good things about them.
HST's for me too!

They are nice - I've done a couple of trips on them from Hull to KGX. As much as I like Grand Central and the convenience, they need to pull their finger out interior wise. Even the first class, if you look, you can see bits of missing sealant from the glazing of the windows and covered over light sockets. It all looks a bit done on the cheap to me. i also think they could have used oranges and greys internally, too, to make it more striking.

Alas! It looks like the big reveal was for a First Class lounge! Anyone know where it is?

https://www.facebook.com/grandcentralrai...17/?type=3&theater

Just after the North West Services have been approved, The ECML Services between London - Edinburgh , Newcastle , Grimsby , Scunthorpe , Cleethorpes and Ilkley have been turned down.

More info below
http://www.alliancerail.co.uk/2016/05/12...-services/

Details of upcoming changes, short trips and variations to normal stopping patterns.

(06 Aug 2016, 8:59 pm)Andreos1 wrote Details of upcoming changes, short trips and variations to normal stopping patterns.

You can get them here, too: https://www.grandcentralrail.com/travel-...e-changes/

I usually have to check as I often travel on a Sunday evening back from KGX.

I'm presuming the York Races trains will be dry trains. It can be a horrendous experience travelling GC on a Saturday night / after a race meeting from York.

(07 Aug 2016, 8:08 am)8222 wrote You can get them here, too: https://www.grandcentralrail.com/travel-...e-changes/

I usually have to check as I often travel on a Sunday evening back from KGX.

I'm presuming the York Races trains will be dry trains. It can be a horrendous experience travelling GC on a Saturday night / after a race meeting from York.

Not too sure about the dry trains. Didn't see any marker or indicator to say they were dry or not.

GC have XC HST set 43207 and 43366 on loan currently.

(22 Oct 2016, 11:00 am)Andreos1 wrote GC have XC HST set 43207 and 43366 on loan currently.

I hope someone gets a photo of it in the Cross! Any idea if it's just the locos or the full deal?

(09 May 2016, 8:01 pm)South Tyne Lad wrote It is indeed the original Moquette and carpets, Never been on a HT 180 yet so I couldn't comment on them though I have heard good things about them.
HST's for me too!

(09 May 2016, 8:05 pm)8222 wrote They are nice - I've done a couple of trips on them from Hull to KGX. As much as I like Grand Central and the convenience, they need to pull their finger out interior wise. Even the first class, if you look, you can see bits of missing sealant from the glazing of the windows and covered over light sockets. It all looks a bit done on the cheap to me. i also think they could have used oranges and greys internally, too, to make it more striking.

Even the 'nsa' monitors and BBC scrolling news updates are a nice touch.
Certainly not required, but something that goes above and beyond.
Not a fan of 180's, but HT have made an effort on the interiors.

(24 Oct 2016, 7:48 am)8222 wrote I hope someone gets a photo of it in the Cross! Any idea if it's just the locos or the full deal?

The set by all accounts. Haven't actually seen it myself - just heard about it. I has been doing the Sunderland runs though.

https://twitter.com/GC_Rail/status/827851635032543232

An interesting working from GC today.

(04 Feb 2017, 12:21 pm)Andreos1 wrote https://twitter.com/GC_Rail/status/827851635032543232

An interesting working from GC today.

Interesting. I emailed them with a complaint the other day about their recent performance (regarding first class/lack of seat service) and took the opportunity to comment on the 180 standard class. This was the response:

(05 Feb 2017, 3:23 pm)8222 wrote Interesting. I emailed them with a complaint the other day about their recent performance (regarding first class/lack of seat service) and took the opportunity to comment on the 180 standard class. This was the response:

https://www.facebook.com/grandcentralrai...76/?type=3&theater

New stop - Low Moor.

(01 Apr 2017, 7:29 pm)8222 wrote https://www.facebook.com/grandcentralrai...76/?type=3&theater

New stop - Low Moor.

https://www.facebook.com/grandcentralrai...78/?type=3&theater

and today - their first first class lounge.

Trains between Sunderland and Kings Cross cancelled due to fault

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/train...-1-8486612

Rail Operatons Group 37800 with 43423 and 43480 at Newcastle working 5A12 13:45 Bounds Green T.&.R.S.M.D. to Heaton T.&.R.S.M.D


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(12 Apr 2017, 9:25 pm)Thomas43299 wrote Rail Operatons Group 37800 with 43423 and 43480 at Newcastle working 5A12 13:45 Bounds Green T.&.R.S.M.D. to Heaton T.&.R.S.M.D


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Great pic! And now we know which set was the offending set! Wonder what went wrong

180108 in first colours has just arrived into Sunderland. It's heading to Ryhope now. It'll be on the 1518 from SUN to KGX. Has this unit now transferred?

Anyone know what's been going on with Grand Central ops of late? Seems to have been a lot of cancelations.