UK approves new open access train services along East Coast Main Line, Sheffield route rejected

The UK Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has authorized new open access train services for operators such as Lumo, Grand Central, and Hull Trains, aimed at improving connectivity along the East Coast Main Line. Conversely, proposals for Hull Trains to establish a route to Sheffield were rejected. Approved Service Enhancements include: - Grand Central adding additional weekday and Saturday trains connecting Wakefield Kirkgate and Bradford Interchange, along with increased Sunday services and extended stops at Seaham. - Hull Trains planning to operate an extra northbound service between London King's Cross and Hull on weekdays and Saturdays. - Lumo increasing the frequency of Newcastle routes with an additional return trip on weekdays and more weekend services, as well as extending Edinburgh route services to include more trips during weekdays and Sundays. The ORR denied other expansion proposals, citing capacity constraints and concerns over service performance impacts, notably rejecting Hull Trains' request for new London-Kings Cross to Sheffield services. Stephanie Tobyn, ORR’s Strategy Director, highlighted that these approvals aim to enhance rail network connectivity and foster c...