New cheap train route planned from London to North West – and one town gets first direct link to capital in 20 years
A NEW budget train service could soon operate between London and Rochdale, with services stopping in Manchester as part of the new route.
Train Journeys between London and Manchester are currently served by an Avanti West Coast service.
But low-cost train operator Lumo, which is owned by transport company FirstGroup, is hoping to launch a brand-new service linking London and Rochdale via Manchester Victoria.
It is thought that six return journeys will run each day using Lumo’s UK-built trains.
Services will depart from London Euston before calling at Warrington Bank Quay, Newton-le-Willows, Eccles, Manchester Victoria and Rochdale.
Eccles Train Station provides passengers with easy access to Salford’s Media City.
If plans are approved, it would be the first time that a direct train has connected Rochdale to London for more than 20 years.
Direct trains haven’t run between London and Rochdale since 2000.
FirstGroup has submitted an application to the Office of Rail and Road and is seeking permission to launch the London-Rochdale route.
It is hoped that the new services could take to the rails in 2027.
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 began operating services between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh in October 2021.
The brand works on an open-access basis, which means it doesn’t receive taxpayer-funded subsidies.
Lumo’s fleet run entirely on electricity and aim to make green travel affordable to the masses.
Their current services between London and Edinburgh reduce carbon emissions and have other eco-friendly features, such as paperless ticketing, recycled uniforms and a 50 per cent plant-based menu.
Details about the new service, including the price of tickets, have yet to be revealed.
Other New Routes
There are plenty of other new train services slated to launch across the UK.
One of those is a brand-new service that will connect London to a market town that’s become popular with A-listers.
Alstom, who work in the transportation sector, has teamed up with SLC Rail to launch the Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway (WSMR).
The WSMR will operate a new route between London Euston and Wrexham, with nine stops in between.
Sun Travel's favourite train route in the UK
Travel Reporter Ryan Gray has revealed his favourite train route in the UK, which some Brits may find surprising.
The East Coast Mainline
The route along the east coast is, in my opinion, one of the best train journeys in the country, with several landmarks, castles and views out to sea all passing by out the window.
For me the best stretch is from Durham to Edinburgh, although the line runs all the way from London Kings Cross, with bucolic views and landmarks like Alexandra Palace adding to the journey further south.
However, as it makes its way north of Darlington, the line really begins to show off with views of Durham Cathedral, the Angel of the North, the Tyne and Millennium bridges and Lindisfarne castle and holy island can also be spotted.
Ryan’s top tip: The window seats on the right of the train, facing out to the east, are the prime positions to enjoy the views.
A new fast train service could soon operate between London and Edinburgh, with train journeys thought to be quicker than taking the plane.
Meanwhile, Eurostar has revealed plans for 50 new trains as well as additional routes to Europe.
