[2] The franchise was awarded to National Express, who maintained control of the company until its eventual demise in 2007.

Despite a reduction in the area covered during the ten years of its existence, the company grew its core fleet from fewer than 300[2] passenger vehicles to a total of 379[3][4] – a capacity increase of over 28%.

It also refurbished a number of its stations, introducing ticket gates, help points and live information boards.

[5] The franchise gained a reputation for poor timekeeping: its best performing period between 2000 and 2007 still saw one in six trains five minutes late or more,[6] with punctuality dropping as low as 61% in 2003.

[7] The company also suffered from ongoing staff relations problems which led to extensive and long-lasting cancellations of Sunday services.

[12][13] Central Trains' Guide 1 timetable was designated for all Citylink services, and highlight the special features of the brand.

[14] In the late 1990s, Central Trains began publicising additional long-distance through journeys, by amalgamating previously self-contained services in its timetables.

This resulted in some particularly lengthy services such as those from Aberystwyth in Mid Wales to Grimsby on the opposite coast of the UK.

[17] Services west of Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth, Pwllheli and Chester were transferred away as part of the formation of a new combined Wales & Borders franchise in late 2001.

The awarding of the franchise was soon followed by multiple orders for a total of 33 new air-conditioned, 100 mph Turbostar trains, intended to boost the fleet and replace older rolling stock.

The Strategic Rail Authority decision to divert rolling stock originally intended for South West Trains[20] also saw the company benefit from a fleet of 30 new 100 mph Class 350 Desiro units, which were shared with Silverlink for use on the West Coast Main Line between Euston and Northampton/Liverpool via Tamworth.

Some non Centro routes Crewe to Skegness, Derby to Matlock and Nottingham to Worksop By the final months of the franchise, Central Trains had a significantly more modern fleet.