York set for new direct trains to Brighton and Gatwick under Grand Central plans

Grand Central has secured four additional trains for its proposed new direct rail service between Newcastle and Brighton, which could run up to five times a day in each direction.

The Arriva-owned open access operator has agreed to lease four additional five-car Class 180 trains from Angel Trains as it progresses plans for the new route.

The agreement will expand Grand Central's existing fleet of 10 Class 180s to 14, although the proposed Newcastle to Brighton service remains subject to approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

Grand Central submitted its application to the ORR in December 2025.

If approved, the route would provide the first direct rail link between the North East and the Sussex coast, with up to five services operating each day in both directions.

The proposed service would provide connections to destinations including Durham, York, Darlington, Reading and London Gatwick, with more than 1,000 seats available per day in each direction.

Chris Brandon, Director at Grand Central, said: "Passengers in York, Darlington and Durham have historically had little choice for their journeys south. It's either change in London or add hours on to your journey travelling by road.

"People deserve the option to travel directly by rail, and Grand Central has a proud track record of offering underserved communities direct links to other towns and cities, and to areas of opportunity. Our agreement to lease four new trains means we’re one step closer to this route becoming a reality, and we look forward to the ORR's response."

The four five-car Class 180 Adelante trains have been out of service for almost three years.

Under the agreement, they would undergo a refurbishment programme at Arriva TrainCare's Eastleigh Depot before entering service with Grand Central, subject to the proposed route receiving approval.

Grand Central said the refurbishment and return of the trains would support skilled rail engineering jobs at Eastleigh and provide wider benefits to the rail supply chain.

The agreement follows Arriva's previously announced £300 million investment in nine new Hitachi Rail tri-mode battery-hybrid trains for Grand Central's existing routes.

Craig Nicolson, Business Development Director at Arriva, said: “Securing these trains is a significant milestone in our plans to deliver a new direct service linking Newcastle and Brighton.

“Subject to ORR approval, this route would connect communities that currently lack a direct rail option, making journeys simpler, faster and more attractive for passengers travelling between the North East, the South Coast and London Gatwick.

“Grand Central has a strong track record of opening up new travel opportunities and improving connectivity where it is needed most. This proposal would build on that legacy while encouraging more people to choose rail as a sustainable alternative to travelling by road.

“The agreement also demonstrates our continued confidence in the growth potential of open access rail services and our commitment to investing in the UK's railway.”