AN East Coast Mainline rail operator is inviting passengers who use its Sunderland to Kings Cross route to comment on plans to improve reliability, capacity and comfort of its services over the next 12 years.
Following the extension of Grand Central's operating licence, which gives the company the permission to run trains between London, the North East and Yorkshire until 2026, the operator will expand its busiest trains by 20 per cent and offer more seats to customers.
The trains will be refurbished to include leather seats in First Class and the firm will improve the reliability of on-board facilities, including power sockets, Wi-Fi and seating.
Richard McClean, the firm's managing director, said: “We’re starting our investments early to get a head start on improvements for passengers, with a refurbishment to our current fleet due to begin in early 2015.
"Our entire fleet will be brought up to a new high standard, with leather seats in First Class and improvements across the Standard class carriages, toilets and vestibules.”
Passengers can air their views on the plans at an event at The World of James Herriot, Thirsk, on Thursday, (October 16), from 10am to 12.30pm.
To attend, email Carrie.Donnelly@grandcentralrail.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here