New Newcastle to Brighton train services planned

• Arriva Group plans to launch direct train services between Newcastle and Brighton under its Grand Central brand.
• The proposed route would include stops at York, Sheffield, Birmingham New Street, Oxford, Reading, and Gatwick Airport.
• Arriva aims to operate five daily services in each direction, starting from December 2026, pending approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
• This new service would offer a direct train connection between the North East and the south coast, bypassing London.
• The proposal comes as the UK government prepares to bring all train services under public ownership.
• Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has expressed reservations about the open access model, citing potential congestion and cost implications for taxpayers.

IN FULL

Direct train services between Newcastle and Brighton planned