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Open access under a new government

Lumo 803 001 arrives at Newcastle Central forming the 1525 Edinburgh-King’s Cross on August 6 2022. Lumo is one of three open access operators on the East Coast Main Line. ANTONY GUPPY.

The Conservative Government has approved new open access operators. Labour says it will retain the concept if it wins the General Election. Paul Clifton hears from current and prospective operators.

“Open Access is fairly ‘Marmite’ within the industry,” explains veteran advocate Ian Yeowart.

He founded Grand Central in 1999 and plans to launch two new routes in 2025.