A YORK-BASED rail firm has unveiled more of its plans to run cut-price train services across the North East.

Grand Central, whose initial plans were dashed by track bosses, now has asked rail operator Network Rail for permission to introduce direct capital links to major population centres in West Yorkshire.

It wants 125mph high speed train services for Bradford Interchange, Halifax and Brighouse (for Huddersfield), with more services for Wakefield (for Kirkgate) and Doncaster, and from there non-stop to London. Grand Central's plans also include services stopping at Hartlepool, Northallerton, Thirsk and York, before travelling non-stop to London, as well as three 90 mph trains between York and Chester per day.

Should Network Rail agree, the company could start operations at the end of this year.

Ian Yeowart, Grand Central's managing director, said: "We have been extremely heartened by the support we received following the rejection of our initial application last year."

Updated: 11:37 Wednesday, January 12, 2005