Operator bids to run Newcastle to Brighton service
Arriva GroupA rail operator has submitted plans to run direct train services between Brighton and Newcastle.
Arriva Group, who submitted the bid to the Office of Rail and Road, said the services would be operated by Grand Central.
If approved, five services in each direction could begin to run from December 2026 and would remove the need for passengers to travel via London.
Plans drawn up include stops at Gatwick Airport, Redhill, Guildford, Birmingham New Street and Sheffield.
Arriva Group said the plans were part of a broader commitment of "strengthening regional connectivity and making better use of available rail capacity".
The full calling pattern of the route would be: Newcastle, Durham, Darlington, Northallerton, York, Doncaster, Sheffield, Derby, Burton-on-Trent, Birmingham New Street, Warwick Parkway, Banbury, Oxford, Reading, Wokingham, Guildford, Redhill, Gatwick Airport, Haywards Heath and Brighton.
Grand Central runs services connecting Sunderland and Bradford with London King's Cross.
Most train operators in England are paid a management fee, with the UK government holding responsibility for costs and revenue.
But open access operators, which Grand Central are, receive no taxpayer-funded subsidies and take on all revenue risk.
'New travel opportunities'
Paul Hutchings, of Arriva, said the firm was "committed to connecting communities".
"We're very pleased to be submitting this application for the first direct service between Newcastle and Brighton, opening up new travel opportunities and making better use of available network capacity," he said.
Jonathan Pollard, chief commercial officer of Gatwick Airport, added: "We welcome Arriva's exploration of a regular service between Gatwick, the Midlands and North East.
"Gatwick is keen to encourage passengers to use public transport and this enhanced connectivity would support underserved areas, while strengthening and growing our catchment."
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