Arriva Group has announced it is submitting an open access application to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to launch a new direct rail service between Newcastle and Brighton, via London Gatwick. The proposal aims to improve connectivity for underserved communities along the route without requiring passengers to interchange through central London.
Operated by Arriva’s established open access brand Grand Central, the service would introduce five trains per day in each direction, making use of existing under-utilised network capacity. If approved, services could commence in December 2026.
Arriva stated the new service forms part of its wider European strategy to connect people and places through sustainable transport solutions, supporting regional economies and encouraging a shift from private cars to rail.
“We’re committed to connecting communities and enabling more people to travel in ways that are convenient and sustainable, so we’re very pleased to be submitting this application for the first direct service between Newcastle and Brighton. This opens up new travel opportunities and makes better use of available network capacity, building on Grand Central’s proud history of connecting traditionally underserved communities.” Paul Hutchings, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains’ Rail Services, said.
The proposed route would offer a direct connection from the Northeast and Midlands to London Gatwick and the South Coast. Towns and cities such as Northallerton, Warwick, and Burton-on-Trent would gain direct access to Gatwick Airport, providing a reliable, lower-carbon alternative to road travel. Each train would have capacity for 300 passengers, including luggage space for airport travellers, and would feature onboard catering, Wi-Fi, and charging points.
“We welcome Arriva’s exploration of a regular service between London Gatwick, the Midlands and North East, and are excited about the opportunities this proposed service could bring. This enhanced connectivity would support underserved areas while strengthening and growing our catchment,” Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer at London Gatwick, said/
Pollard added that London Gatwick already benefits from strong public transport links and that the proposed addition would “further enhance seamless travel options for passengers and staff.”
The service would call at: Newcastle, Durham, Darlington, Northallerton, York, Doncaster, Sheffield, Derby, Burton-on-Trent, Birmingham New Street, Warwick Parkway, Banbury, Oxford, Reading, Wokingham, Guildford, Redhill, London Gatwick, Haywards Heath, and Brighton.
The application follows a series of recent developments for Grand Central, including the extension of its existing access rights to 2038 and an investment of around £300 million in a new battery-hybrid train fleet for its current routes.
If approved, the Newcastle-Brighton service would join other pending Grand Central proposals awaiting ORR approval, including additional daily services between Bradford and London, an early morning and late evening return from York to London, and a direct London connection to Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
Arriva remains the only owning group in the UK rail market operating across all major contract models, with interests ranging from national rail contracts with Chiltern Railways and CrossCountry, to concessions with Arriva Rail London, and open access operations with Grand Central.
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