Arriva Group has announced an ambitious plan to fundamentally transform the UK rail network and deliver sustainable travel to underserved communities. The company aims to launch direct train services from Newcastle to Brighton via London Gatwick Airport. The new route will save passengers time by removing the need to transfer in London and will significantly relieve pressure on the capital’s overburdened transport system. The new service, operated by Grand Central, will run five trains per day in each direction and is expected to be operational in December 2026.
Arriva Group Aims to Increase Accessibility in the UK
This strategic move by Arriva Group is a concrete example of its vision to strengthen connections between different parts of the UK. The first direct rail route from Newcastle to Brighton will significantly strengthen regional connections, particularly between the North East, Midlands and South Coast. The new line will also include key towns such as Northallerton, Warwick and Burton-on-Trent, providing a wider range of travel options for both leisure and business travellers. Each train will be designed to carry up to 300 passengers, with features such as on-board Wi-Fi, a range of refreshments, power sockets and generous luggage space, designed specifically for airport passengers. This significant upgrade clearly reflects Arriva Group’s long-term ambition to make rail travel a reliable, comfortable and environmentally friendly alternative to road transport.
Arriva Group Invests in Grand Central Rail Services
Paul Hutchings, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains’ Rail Services, highlighted the strategic value of this significant project, saying that sustainable infrastructure is vital to supporting economic development and connecting people to new opportunities. To support this and future routes, Arriva Group has made a significant investment of $375 million (£300 million) in a fleet of modern, environmentally friendly battery-hybrid trains. These new-generation trains are expected to deliver a smoother, more comfortable and more efficient travel experience for passengers, while also significantly reducing carbon emissions. Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick Airport, welcomed the proposal for this new rail link, highlighting the potential to significantly enhance public transport access to the airport. He also highlighted how such direct connections could help reduce road congestion and promote greener transport.
The ambitious proposal joins other potential new service applications from Arriva Group awaiting approval from the Office for Transport Regulation (ORR), including potential new rail links to key cities such as Bradford, York, Grimsby and Cleethorpes. The Grand Central rail service continues to play a critical role at the heart of Arriva Group’s strategy to reshape open access rail travel in the UK. This new link is seen as a significant step towards achieving sustainable transport targets, while strengthening social and economic ties between different parts of the country.
