A NEW train service between Glasgow and London could be launched in the coming years after “significant” demand from customers.
FirstGroup announced today that it plans to extend some of its London to Edinburgh trains, run by its Lumo brand, to and from Glasgow.
The transport group are currently in discussions with Transport Scotland and Network Rail.
Direct trains between London and Glasgow are only operated by Avanti West Coast and LNER.
Lumo’s proposed new offering is set to improve links for customers travelling between Newcastle and Glasgow.
It aims to give passengers a choice of services without needing to change trains.
And a “significant number” of Lumo passengers travelling on London-Edinburgh trains go on to travel through to Glasgow via other connections.
FirstGroup plc Chief Executive Officer Graham Sutherland, said: “We are very pleased to be looking at options to grow our popular Lumo train service by extending the service from Edinburgh to Glasgow from next year.
“We have seen the level of growth and opportunity that is possible with new open access connections, including the significant environmental benefits of passengers switching to rail.
“We will be working closely with stakeholders as we refine this opportunity and our case for this new offering.”
Once preferred route options and timings have been agreed, discussions will continue with Network Rail and the ORR to secure the required approvals.
It is anticipated that the additional services could begin in summer 2025.
Lumo services between London and Edinburgh were launched in October 2021.
During the launch, bosses promised to offer cheaper and greener travel between Scotland and England for over one million passengers a year.
Rail chiefs also said that some 60% of all single fares will be available for £30 or less.