Byline: ROBERT LEA

KING'S CROSS commuters, fed up with high fares or having to stand on trains run by GNER, could get a new service in a landmark decision expected as early as today.

Grand Central Railways, a wouldbe low fares train operator running eight return services a day from the North-East and West Yorkshire, is set to hear if it has been granted a licence for the East Coast Main Line by the Office of the Rail Regulator.

In what is being hailed as a David and Goliath battle, a "yes" decision for Grand Central would set up an uncomfortable competitor for GNER - one of the most lucrative train franchises on the network.

In addition, it could set a precedent for the launch of any number of so-called "open access", nonregulated train companies to take on other London commuter operators.

Grand Central is the brainchild of Ian Yeowart a former British Rail veteran, who has been trying to gain permission for the services for the past half-decade. …