This week, Transport Focus released their figures for their Autumn 2019 National Rail Passenger Survey, including train operator Grand Central.
The survey has revealed that Grand Central was the best long-distance train operator for the ninth time, scoring 94%.
The open-access operator was also rated best for value for money (75%) when compared to the national average of 47%.
Grand Central, based in York, recently completed a £9 million refurbishment programme of its Class 180 Adelante fleet.
Interior cleanliness of trains, which run between London and Yorkshire / North East, rose 11% year on year, with a customer satisfaction level of 94%. The availability of power sockets saw satisfaction levels increase by 14% to 87%.
As well as running on the East Coast Main Line, the operator will also begin running trains on the West Coast Main Line to London Euston from Blackpool North, Kirkham & Wesham, Preston, Nuneaton and Milton Keynes.
What did the officials say?
Richard McClean, Managing Director at Grand Central, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted that once again we’ve been named as the number one long distance train company in the country with a score of 94% and to be rated best for overall value for money at 75%.
“What matters to our customers matters to us – a good service at a good price. We’re proud of our track record and our commitment to customer experience, but we can always do more to deliver more benefits for our passengers and great quality services at the heart of communities we serve.
“We have just completed the £9million refurbishment of our entire fleet of trains. We’re also bringing additional services to our North East route and will launch our new route from Blackpool to Euston in Spring 2020.
“Together with investments in online systems and our £2.6million station investment programme across our North East and West Riding routes, we’re confident that our customers will continue to see improving benefits to travelling on our services.”
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That’s because Grand Central provides a direct non-stop service from London Kings Cross to York, Bradford Interchange, Sunderland and Darlington. And they will also run a new service from London Euston to Blackpool North and maybe they could operate a direct service to Liverpool Lime Street with Class 91+Mk4 units being used.