Open access operator Grand Central is to add five additional Class 180 trainsets to its fleet as part of a 12-year investment programme.

Grand Central, a subsidiary of Arriva, plans to invest £7.8 million between now and 2026.

The operator has signed a new 10-year lease with Angel Trains to double its current fleet of Class 180s. The new five-car trains will be cascaded from the Great Western main line in December 2016.

Angel trains said in a statement: “The parties in this cascade continue to explore the potential of an amicable delay or staggering of the transfer of units to ensure passenger services are not disrupted.”

As well as additional trains, Grand Central will refurbish its existing fleet and improve facilities at stations along its route.

Richard McClean, managing director of Grand Central Rail, said: “We’re starting our investments early to get a head start on improvements for passengers, with a refurbishment to our current fleet due to begin in early 2015.

“Our entire fleet will be brought up to a new high standard, with leather seats in First Class and improvements across the Standard class carriages, toilets and vestibules.”

Grand Central was awarded a new 10-year operating license in August 2014.

The new Class 180s will start arriving from 2017.