Plans for a new direct rail link connecting the north and south has taken its next steps.
In December last year, Arriva submitted an application to regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for permission to launch a direct service between Brighton and Newcastle.
The operator said the service would run under its Grand Central brand and call at stations such as York, Sheffield, Birmingham New Street, Oxford, Reading and Gatwick Airport.
Arriva has since confirmed it has agreed to lease four additional class 180 trains from Angel Trains to support the proposed route.
If approved, the service would become the first direct rail link between the North East and the Sussex coast.
The rail provider says the new route would offer more than 1,000 seats and provide up to five services each day.
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Business Development Director at Arriva, Craig Nicolson said: “Securing these trains is a significant milestone in our plans to deliver a new direct service linking Newcastle and Brighton.
"Subject to ORR approval, this route would connect communities that currently lack a direct rail option, making journeys simpler, faster and more attractive for passengers travelling between the North East, the South Coast and London Gatwick.
"Grand Central has a strong track record of opening up new travel opportunities and improving connectivity where it is needed most.
"This proposal would build on that legacy while encouraging more people to choose rail as a sustainable alternative to travelling by road.
"The agreement also demonstrates our continued confidence in the growth potential of open access rail services and our commitment to investing in the UK's railway.”
Under the agreement, the four new trains will enter service with Grand Central following a refurbishment programme, subject to approval of the route.
Arriva said the trains have been out of service for almost three years and their reintroduction would generate further economic benefits across the wider rail supply chain.
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