FirstGroup plc has shared progress on its upcoming open access rail service connecting London and Stirling—an ambitious step forward in expanding the reach of its successful Lumo brand.
In 2024, FirstGroup acquired Grand Union West Coast Main Line (Wcml), securing track access rights from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to operate open access services between London Euston and Stirling. This agreement, which runs through 2030, includes:
- Four daily return services (three on Sundays) between London and Stirling
- One additional daily return service between Preston and London, operating seven days a week
To support this new route, FirstGroup has signed a lease agreement with Eversholt Rail for five Class 222 six-car diesel trains. Each train will offer approximately 340 standard class seats, contributing to an impressive 447 million annual seat miles once the service is fully operational.
The service is expected to launch in mid-2026, following the delivery of the trains and completion of staff training.
Branded under Lumo, the new service will significantly enhance connectivity between London and central and southern Scotland. The route will serve:
Stirling, Larbert, Greenfaulds (Cumbernauld), Whifflet (Coatbridge), Motherwell, Lockerbie, Carlisle, Preston, Crewe, Nuneaton, Milton Keynes, and London Euston.
Notably, Whifflet, Greenfaulds, and Larbert will receive their first-ever direct rail services to London—opening new doors for local communities and businesses.
Once fully operational, the service is projected to generate £50 million in annual revenue with a low double-digit operating profit margin (pre-IFRS 16). FirstGroup is also exploring opportunities to extend the track access agreement and potentially introduce electric or bi-mode trains, supported by its recently announced £500 million rolling stock lease agreement.
Open access rail services, funded entirely through private investment, carry both the commercial risk and reward. This model—endorsed by the UK Government and the ORR—has proven effective in:
- Connecting underserved regions
- Driving economic growth
- Increasing capacity on key routes
- Encouraging a shift from car and air travel to more sustainable rail options
Commenting, Chief Executive Officer Graham Sutherland said:
"The mobilisation of our new service between London and Stirling is another important step towards rolling out Lumo as a nationwide operator and growing our open access capacity, a key priority for the Group.”
“Our investment and capabilities in open access rail have delivered reliable, value for money services, grown rail demand and helped to spur economic growth and connect communities. We look forward to doing the same on our new services."
Image credit: FirstGroup
