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A brand new practice service between London and Glasgow could possibly be launched subsequent 12 months.
Transport firm FirstGroup introduced its plan for some London-Edinburgh providers run by its Lumo model to be prolonged to and from Glasgow.
Direct trains between London and Glasgow are at present operated by Avanti West Coast.
FirstGroup stated a “important quantity” of Lumo passengers at present journey to and from Glasgow by way of different connections.
Extending its community would additionally present direct providers between Newcastle and Glasgow.
FirstGroup stated it’s in discussions with Scottish Authorities company Transport Scotland and infrastructure administration firm Community Rail about route choices and timings.
It’ll then submit an software to regulator the Workplace of Rail and Highway, within the hope of starting Glasgow providers in summer season 2025.
FirstGroup chief govt Graham Sutherland stated: “We’re more than happy to be taking a look at choices to develop our standard Lumo practice service by extending the service from Edinburgh to Glasgow from subsequent 12 months.
“We now have seen the extent of development and alternative that’s potential with new open entry connections, together with the numerous environmental advantages of passengers switching to rail.
“We will probably be working carefully with stakeholders as we refine this chance and our case for this new providing.”
Lumo, which was launched in October 2021, runs on an open entry foundation, which means it receives no taxpayer-funded subsidies and tackle all income threat.
Most practice operators in England are paid a administration payment, with the UK Authorities holding accountability for prices and income.
ScotRail and Transport for Wales Rail are below public possession.
Final month, FirstGroup introduced a plan to function a brand new open entry service between London King’s Cross and Sheffield from the second half of subsequent 12 months.
Rail minister Hew Merriman stated final week the open entry system “goes from power to power” and he plans to “velocity up” the applying course of and entice extra operators by making unused timetable slots accessible.
