A direct train from London to Wrexham? The chance to travel to Scotland for less than £50? Trains operated by a company specializing in a single route, competing to attract customers away from the pricier major operators? It all sounds enticing, doesn’t it?
Given the prospect of more affordable fares to underserved UK destinations, it’s hardly surprising that Labour’s proposal for a “pragmatic” renationalization of the railways aligns with the Conservatives’ stance on “open access” train providers. This also indicates that the party remains receptive to business opportunities.
This approach offers reassurance to companies like Lumo, which, alongside Hull Trains and Grand Central, serves the East Coast mainline.
Despite potential changes under a Labour government affecting parent companies FirstGroup and Arriva on major national rail routes, privately owned open-access operators can feel secure.
Open access operators, though unconventional, have captured interest. While right-wing think tanks advocate for more such operators competing on the railways, their scope is constrained by factors like depots, track space, timetables, and connections.
Currently, only the East Coast trio (and technically, Heathrow Express and Eurostar) remain, accommodating 3.8 million journeys in 2022-23 compared to the nationalized London North Eastern Railway’s 23.4 million.
For Labour, retaining open access is strategic, particularly benefiting northern regions and “red wall” constituencies with local employment opportunities and affordable direct trains.
However, the industry remains divided, with some arguing that open-access operators undermine the broader public good due to capacity constraints.
To secure a contract with the Office of Rail and Road, an open-access operator must demonstrate that its services won’t divert revenue from the incumbent operator. Critics argue that such rules limit efficient railway utilization.
Proponents contend that open access encourages diversity in routes and stations. Ian Yeowart, founder of Grand Central and now Grand Union, highlights the positive impact on grassroots support, especially in regions like Hartlepool, Bradford, and Halifax.
However, skeptics question the profitability of destinations like Carmarthen, suggesting they may cannibalize fares from passengers traveling to well-connected hubs like Swansea.
Regardless, Yeowart emphasizes the importance of preserving alternative services, particularly for communities along the East Coast.
