DfT and FirstGroup try to thwart open access rail plan

Grand Union plans to order Hitachi bi-mode trains for its Llanelli-London service, the same type of train used by Great Western Railway

Grand Union plans to order Hitachi bi-mode trains for its Llanelli-London service, the same type of train used by Great Western Railway

The dft and FirstGroup’s rail franchise Great Western Railway have raised objections to plans for an open access rail service between London Paddington and South Wales. 

Grand Union Trains (GUT) wants to operate seven trains in each direction between London Paddington and Cardiff Central from May 2021, using electric trains (Class 91 and Mark IV carriages) that are becoming surplus to requirements on the East Coast Main Line. Trains would call at Newport, Severn Tunnel Junction and...

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