Grand Central has revealed its recently-refurbished Class 221 SuperVoyager trains, which will run on its West Riding route, from Bradford Interchange to London Kings Cross.
The trains will run four times per day, seven days a week. They have 256 seats on each unit and onboard facilities that match those of the operator's 180 Adelante fleet. All trains have free on-board Wi-Fi, catering, and leg room that Grand Central describes as “generous”.
The trains' new livery is in Grand Central's distinctive orange colour, and includes a new slogan ‘What's ‘Appening', designed to encourage passengers to book their tickets using Grand Central's app.
Class 221 Voyagers are also run by Avanti West Coast and by CrossCountry.
As an open-access operator, Grand Central runs without government funding or control, and states that one of its aims is to service the smaller stations that other operators might pass through. It also boasts of taking an active role in local communities, helping out local organisations.
John Whaite, of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and Great British Bake Off, travelled on the first full run of the newly re-launched Grand Central 10:23am 221 Voyager train from Bradford to London this week.
John, who is currently playing the role of Dandini in the pantomime production of Cinderella at Bradford Alhambra theatre this Christmas, said: “It was great to hop on board one of Grand Central's 221 trains direct from Bradford to London Kings Cross. The journey was thoroughly enjoyable thanks to the attentive staff, who in true Grand Central style, are always ready to provide fantastic customer service! Once you're on board, the QR code at every seat allows you to order food, check your arrival time and find out about the local area. With services from local stations between Doncaster and Bradford there's no excuse not to book your seat to come and see me in panto at the Bradford Alhambra this Christmas.”
Sounds like a good idea to keep Grand Central moving as the best train operator. I have been on Grand Central and the Class 180 Adelantes are so nice and the seats are very comfortable.
Generous leg room in second class on a voyager. That will be the day.
I travel with grand central three times a week
very comfortable seats cheap tickets
Thank you grand central
Avoid! My elderly Mum who has mobility issues was left stranded at Wakefield when she’d bought a ticket through to Mirfield. No advance notice and informed on board at LKX to make own onward arrangements and claim costs back. This happened 11 Aug and to date still no refund/reimbursement of £20 taxi cost from this company. Very disappointing.
I go to London Three or four times a year to watch my home team Burnley FC I will considered to travel some time with the company thank you