Each week we look at two competing products and review what they offer consumers, from how much they cost to how they perform.
Our reviewer will offer some thoughts based on his or her experience, so we know this will just be a snapshot – we want you to help us build a better picture. Tell us which, if either, you have used and what you think, and if there is a better alternative we have missed.
Between us we can hopefully work out which is the best buy and inform wavering consumers which to go for.
This week we're looking at train operators East Coast and Grand Central. Tell us what you think, ask any questions users may be able to answer, and tell us which services or goods you would like us to review in future weeks: it could be anything from deal websites to Christmas crackers. Also, if you would like to be a reviewer please email
hilary.osborne@guardian.co.uk.
East Coast
Background The government was forced to bring the East Coast main line franchise back into public ownership in November 2009 when the previous franchisee, National Express, handed the keys back to the Department for Transport. A government-owned holding company, Directly Operated Railways, has been running services since then, with plans to return the franchise to the private sector in 2013.
Services East Coast currently operates services from London King's Cross to Yorkshire, the north-east and Scotland. Half-hourly services run from King's Cross to Leeds and Newcastle, with an hourly service continuing to Edinburgh. Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness, Hull, Lincoln, Skipton, Harrogate and Bradford are all served by infrequent services.
Ease of booking The East Coast website was easy to navigate, with no booking fee charges applied to purchases. First-class postage for tickets costs £1.
Price York to London King's Cross: anytime single £124.50; anytime return £249; off-peak single £93.10; off-peak return £94.10.
Was it on time? Our test train departed King's Cross on time but arrived at York four minutes behind schedule. According to Network Rail's statistics 87.8% of East Coast services in the year to 13 October 2012 were described as "punctual" – that is arriving at their destination within 10 minutes of the scheduled time.
Seating The majority of carriages on the train were standard class, with each containing a small number of table seats with the rest in airline style.
Staff The on-board staff were polite and friendly, with frequent announcements about the facilities offered.
Facilities This East Coast service contained a full on-board cafe and trolley service. Items included coffee (£2.20), tea (£1.85), a bacon butty (£3.55) and chocolate bars (80p), with a minimum card spend of £5. Wi-Fi is available on board all services, free to passengers travelling in first class but costing £4.95 an hour or £9.95 for 24-hours in standard class, although the latter are given 15 minutes of free internet access.
The train was generally well kept, with on-board toilets in a clean and tidy condition.
Rating 7/10.
Grand Central
Background Grand Central is one of a handful of open-access operators running rail services in the UK. It was given approval to operate services between London and the north-east in 2006, with its first trains running by the end of 2007. Founded by former British Rail area manager Ian Yeowart in 2000, Grand Central was sold to transport giant Arriva in November 2011.
Services Grand Central runs four daily services in each direction between London King's Cross and Sunderland, via Hartlepool and York. A fifth daily service is due to be added in December 2012. The firm also operates three services in either direction between London and Bradford, via Doncaster and Wakefield.
Ease of booking The Grand Central website contained plenty of information about its services and destinations, no booking fees were charged and first-class postage was offered free of charge.
Price York to London King's Cross: anytime single £75; anytime return £120; off-peak single £50; off-peak return £85.
Was it on time? The service tested between York and King's Cross departed on time and arrived in the capital a minute ahead of schedule. Unfortunately, Grand Central punctuality statistics are not published by National Rail.
Seating The service had one first-class coach with the rest of the train taken up with standard class carriages. The standard coaches had a good mix of airline style and table seats, all with ample leg room.
Facilities The on-board cafe had a good range with competitive prices. Tea and coffee (£1.50), a bacon butty (£3) and chocolate bars (80p) were on offer, as well as playing cards and travel games. Passengers wishing to pay by card had a minimum spend of £6. Wi-Fi is offered to all customers free of charge, while the on-board toilet facilities were more than adequate.
Staff The on-board crew were well-mannered, especially when confronted with a troublesome customer in the carriage. The on-board announcements, however, were perhaps too frequent for most people's tastes.
Rating 9/10.
Adam's verdict One of the few sections of UK railway to have more than one operator in direct competition, the York to London stretch is served by two competent providers in East Coast and Grand Central. East Coast is a considerably bigger firm and Grand Central was not able compete on the number of services offered, although it has already announced plans to add more in the near future.
Walk-up prices were considerably cheaper on Grand Central, with anytime return tickets nearly £130 cheaper than its rival. However, both firms offer a wide range of cheaper advance tickets.
The carriages on the Grand Central train were far roomier than those on East Coast, with more table seats available and considerably more leg room. Grand Central also offered free Wi-Fi and the prices of on-board snacks were far cheaper.
Despite running fewer services, the lower prices mean Grand Central is worth waiting for
