(07 Apr 2025, 2:18 pm)54APhotography wrote 9 IET vs 12 units (10 180, 2 221) means either a cut overall or as requested 10 car operation to Doncaster and splitting there, which the ORR will review as that would release paths out of King's Cross.

GC operationally can do so as the platforms at Doncaster are capable of such practice.

The benefit is a Doncaster stop for Sunderland trains.

(07 Apr 2025, 8:24 pm)Storx wrote Aye that's the Cleethorpes stuff, I do think they're planned to merge onto the Bradford services at Doncaster though so they don't use ECML paths rather than the Sunderland services doing it instead.

Can't imagine LNER being happy with there being more competition between Doncaster and York with the way ORCAT works.

I get Grand Central from Sunderland to York, very frequently. The services at all times of day are rammed. They could honestly do with having even 2 or 2 more trains a day. I am aware that this is not great timetabling/staffing wise. 

Also, weren't there plans to add a stop at Seaham? Is that still happening as it fits with connecting left-behind communities? It is mad that the Seaham - Hartlepool connection doesn't exist by bus and is only hourly (when not canceled) by Northern.

I would definitely support longer trains but most platforms (besides York) are too short for this, and adding Seaham & Doncaster stops (if not more) will be even more sardine packing on the trains.