Written question asked by John Penrose (Conservative) on Tuesday, 26 March 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 April 2024. It was answered by Huw Merriman (Conservative) on Thursday, 18 April 2024 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Train Operating Companies

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what open access applications (a) are awaiting a decision from the Office of Rail and Road and (b) were approved in the last 12 months.

Answer: There are currently 3 separate applications to run new open access services under consideration by the Office of Rail and Road: from Hull Trains to operate between Sheffield and London; Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway to operate between Wrexham and London; and Go-Op to operate between Taunton and Swindon/Weston-super-Mare. In the last 12 months, the ORR has approved Grand Union Trains’ application to run new open access services between London and Stirling, and also Grand Central’s application to make additional stops at Peterborough.

Secondary information