The MS&LR changed its name to the Great Central Railway (GCR) in 1897 and the Great Central Main Line from London Marylebone to Manchester Central opened for passenger traffic on 15 March 1899.
MS&LR ændrede sit navn til Great Central Railway (GCR) i 1897, og Great Central Main Line fra London Marylebone til Manchester Central åbnede for passagertrafik 15. marts 1899.