Future of Sunderland-London train service secured
BBCThe future of a temporary rail service has been secured after it was granted 'permanent' status.
Grand Central began operating the additional train between Sunderland and London Kings Cross in 2022.
The company has confirmed the Office of Rail and Road granted the service permanent status earlier this year.
It brings the total number of daily services operating from Monday to Friday between Wearside and the capital to six.
"We're thrilled to have secured extended access rights through to 2038, meaning we will continue to serve Sunderland long into the future," a Grand Central spokesperson said.
The rail operator recently announced its fleet would be replaced with nine battery hybrid trains made at Hitachi Rail's factory in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
The spokesperson added the £300m investment would help increase the availability of seats on its trains by about 20%.
Last December, LNER withdrew its 05:39 service between Sunderland and London Kings Cross citing dwindling customer numbers.
Responding to the cancellation of the service at the time, rail-user group North East Coastliners said the withdrawal was "of little consequence to the people of Sunderland" given the alternative options available to rail passengers.