Loco shortage hits train service

Grand Central currently operates only one train

Troubled train operator Grand Central is considering hiring in trains to maintain services between the North East and London.

The firm began a daily service from Sunderland to Kings Cross in December - several months later than expected.

But delayed delivery of rolling stock meant it was unable to introduce a full timetable and had to cancel services.

Now the company says it may hire in some high-speed rolling stock on a short-term basis.

The East Coast Main Line service, which rivals National Express East Coast, had hoped to introduce a full timetable by mid-January.

'Further delays'

But managing director Tom Clift has admitted the company does not have any back up trains.

He said: "We were hoping to introduce our full timetable of services in January, but unfortunately this will not now be possible because of further delays in the delivery or commissioning of vehicles from the organisations undertaking their refurbishment.

"Frustratingly for all of us, these delays mean that we cannot at this stage accurately predict when we will have enough reliable rolling stock to introduce the full timetable.

"Whilst we currently have two train sets in working condition, we still have no back-up vehicles delivered, or available.

"Should anything go wrong, and we cannot entertain introducing further services until that position improves.

"We have been looking at the possibility of hiring-in, on a short term basis, other trains capable of the required top speed of 125mph, though that is not an easy task."