Central Citylink was the brand name used from 2003 by Central Trains for their long-distance services across the Midlands rail network. Citylink services were clearly distinguished in station announcements and timetables. Citylink also had a separate logo and had a section of the Central Trains website. The brand was very similar to Regional Railways' Alphaline brand, both in the type of services and in the level of on-board service. The "Citylink" brand was axed during 2007, in preparation for the ending of the Central Trains franchise in November 2007.
Commencement of services
Central Trains long-distance services were re-branded as "Central Citylink" services in 2003. This was part of the re-franchising agreement that extended the Central franchise from 2003 to 2006. The plan was to operate fast and frequent express services operated by air-conditioned, modern trains, as opposed to the local commuter trains in the Birmingham area- these would remain just as "Central Trains" services. To give the service more of an "Intercity" feel, it was decided that seats would be reservable in advance, and most services would offer at-seat catering. Central created a logo, unique adverts and a section of the Central Trains website for the brand. Announcements started distinguishing Citylink services soon after. Central Trains' Guide 1 timetable was designated for all Citylink services, and highlight the special features of the brand.
Routes
The four Central Citylink routes were:
Birmingham–Liverpool
Liverpool–Norwich
Birmingham–Stansted Airport
Nottingham–Cardiff
There was also one evening peak service from Birmingham to Preston, but with no equivalent Southbound service.
Reliability
Due to the length of many of the routes, services were prone to delays later on in the day, when delays had built up. This was not helped by the fact that Central Citylink operated on certain east–west cross-country lines, which are slow and poorly maintained when compared to the higher-speed north–south lines from London. They also competed with other rail companies on some routes, restricting flexibility of the timetable. They played second fiddle to the InterCity operators – if a Virgin Trains's service was to be running late, it would get priority over a Citylink Train. This normally meant sitting idle on a stretch of track, waiting for that Virgin Train to go past. Many Citylink trains started off on time, but ended up delayed, purely as a result of giving way to an InterCity train.
