FirstGroup Unveils New Rail Link Between London and Greater Manchester

FirstGroup plans to launch six daily trains between London Euston and Rochdale via Manchester Victoria, reviving the direct rail link since 2000. The new service, operated under the Lumo brand, will run on UK-built trains powered by electricity and batteries. The service aims to encourage modal shift from road to rail, offering convenience and competitive pricing to 1.6 million North West residents. Lumo, which operates without government subsidies, currently connects London King's Cross and Edinburgh. The application for the London-Rochdale route is under review, and the company expects the service to commence by 2027.

In a significant move to enhance rail connectivity in the North West, FirstGroup, a leading player in the UK railway sector, has submitted an application to launch six daily trains between London Euston and Rochdale via Manchester Victoria. This initiative, operated under the Lumo brand, aims to revive the direct rail link that was discontinued in 2000, offering convenience and competitive pricing to over 1.6 million residents in the region [1].

FirstGroup's existing open-access rail service, Lumo, which connects London King's Cross and Edinburgh, has been successful in providing an alternative travel option and promoting modal shift from road to rail [2]. The London-Rochdale service, if approved, will offer a similar benefit, as it is expected to carry a significant number of passengers currently using cars or coaches for travel between the two cities [1].

The new service will operate on UK-built trains powered by electricity and batteries, making it a more sustainable travel choice for passengers [1]. The application for the London-Rochdale route is currently under review, and FirstGroup expects the service to commence by 2027 [1].

FirstGroup's Chief Executive Officer, Graham Sutherland, expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, "We have seen the level of growth and opportunity that is possible with open access, as well as the positive effect it can have on the wider market, including economic and environmental benefits" [2]. He added that the new service would help drive modal shift from road to rail by offering customers a more sustainable travel alternative between London and Rochdale.

The expansion of the Lumo brand is part of FirstGroup's strategy to increase its open-access rail operations as part of its Hull Trains business [1]. The company's successful experience with Hull Trains, which has transformed long-distance connectivity between Hull and London, provides a solid foundation for this new venture [1].

References:
[1] FirstGroup sets sights on Sheffield-London services. (2023, January 5). Retrieved from https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/2023/01/05/firstgroup-sets-sights-on-sheffield-london-services
[2] FirstGroup plans London-Sheffield open-access train service. (2023, January 5). Retrieved from https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/firstgroup-plans-london-sheffield-open-access-train-service/65659.article