RAIL users could benefit from the number of direct trains from Bradford to London more than doubling in the next 14 months, following the latest announcement from Grand Central Rail.

Grand Central has applied to run an extra direct train from Bradford to London as part of a proposed expansion of its services.

The extra departure - in mid-afternoon - from Bradford would mean there would be six daily services to London Kings Cross each day.

Combined with the extra services on the East Coast mainline from Bradford Forster Square to Kings Cross planned from May 2019, this means the number of journeys from Bradford to the capital each day could rise from six to 13.

Grand Central has begun consultations with other train companies and Network Rail to operate more trains, and will submit an application to the Office of Rail and Road.

The move follows demands from customers for more services, and will see hundreds of extra daily seats to the capital added.

Richard McClean, managing director of Grand Central, said: “The proposed additional services are an important part of Grand Central’s longer term strategic development, building on the strong growth we have seen on our existing routes.

“We believe that expanding our operations will benefit both our existing and potential new passengers, as well as grow existing markets.

“As well as bringing additional benefits to our customers, we see these additional services as continuing the economic growth we have supported in communities along our routes by enabling social mobility and enabling communities to thrive.

“The proposed services are essential to connecting communities and businesses. By offering low fares and benefits which are valued by our customers such as free Wi-Fi and plenty of legroom, we aim to make train travel an attractive and affordable option.

“We’re pleased to present these growth proposals and we hope the ORR and the wider rail industry share our vision for sustainable investment in the long term.”

In January, Grand Central was ranked top for overall journey satisfaction and the best value long distance operator for the sixth year in a row in the National Rail Passenger Survey, and was also the highest rated train operator for customer satisfaction according to research from Which? in the same month.

As well as Grand Central’s planned expansion, the number of trains on the East Coast line will rise from one to seven by May next year.

This is despite the collapse of the East Coast franchise. Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said the improvement services “will go ahead” despite the problems.

He said: “We face an issue on infrastructure and additional capacities on the northern part of the route, which will have to be resolved and may mean some amendments to the timetable for new services, but that will not stop us delivering those new services.

“In Bradford’s case, I am expecting to be able to fulfil the commitments that were made.”