Low-cost train operator Lumo has announced plans for a new service linking London and Manchester.
It already operates a long-distance service between King’s Cross, Newcastle and Edinburgh on the East Coast Main Line that is a rival to London North Eastern railway.
The new service, which could start in 2027, would see six return trains a day running between Euston and Rochdale via Manchester Victoria.
This would offer an alternative to passengers currently relying on Avanti West Coast services.
Lumo’s average advance London to Edinburgh fare is £40, with on-the-day tickets costing no more than £88.
The new route, the firm’s second, would be the first direct link between Rochdale and the capital since 2000.
An estimated 1.6m people in the North West would benefit from a more direct train service to and from London as a result – potentially reducing pressure on the roads.
Lumo, which is based in Newcastle, is classed as an “open access” operator as it does not receive a subsidy from the Government. Instead, the firm retains all fares – and responsibility for costs. It has applied to the Office of Rail and Road for permission to launch the service.
It is owned by transport company FirstGroup – which also owns Avanti West Coast. Lumo trains do not have first class.
Lumo began operating a fleet of five 125mph five-carriage electric Hitachi trains on the East Coast route in October 2021.
It carried more than 300,000 passengers between last October and December, according to the most recent rail industry figures, and about 2.5m since it launched. It is in discussions over extending the route from Edinburgh to Glasgow from summer 2025.
Lumo plans to buy new UK-built electric and battery-powered trains for its Euston service.
Services would also call at Eccles, Newton-le-Willows and Warrington Bank Quay. The station at Eccles would offer links with Salford's MediaCity area.
FirstGroup chief executive Graham Sutherland said: “We have extensive experience of running open access rail operations and we want to bring our successful Lumo service to this new route that connects Rochdale and London.
“We have seen the level of growth and opportunity that is possible with open access, as well as the positive effect it has on the wider market, including economic and environmental benefits.
“In addition, the new service will help to drive modal shift from road to rail between the North West and London. We will be working closely with stakeholders as we build our application and our case for this new service.”
Lumo’s London to Edinburgh route has been credited with increasing the proportion of rail journeys between the two capital cities – with passengers preferring the train to the plane.
The service has also been used by Londoners able to fly more cheaply abroad from Newcastle airport.
