FirstGroup Submits Proposal for New Rochdale-London Rail Route Under Lumo Brand

FirstGroup has submitted an application to the Office of Rail and Road to launch a new open-access rail route connecting Rochdale and London under its Lumo brand.This new route will restore direct rail service between Rochdale and London for the first time in nearly 25 years. The trains will be electric and battery-powered, reducing environmental impact while providing modern comfort for passengers.

FirstGroup plans to operate six return journeys a day, linking Rochdale to London Euston with stops at Manchester Victoria, Eccles, Newton-le-Willows, and Warrington Bank Quay. This is great news for approximately 1.6 million residents of the North West region who will benefit from a convenient and competitively priced direct rail connection to the capital.

With this new route, travel between Rochdale and London will become much more convenient. For travelers, this means the ability to quickly and comfortably reach London, avoiding road traffic. Additionally, the new route will promote a shift from road to rail transport, enhancing both convenience and sustainability.

This new direction builds on the success of Lumo's existing services between London, Newcastle, and Edinburgh on the East Coast Mainline. FirstGroup is also considering extending the new route to Glasgow, offering even more opportunities for travelers.

Following the official submission of the application to the ORR, a consultation period will begin, during which negotiations will be held with Network Rail to secure the necessary approvals. If approved, operations could start as early as 2027, marking a significant step forward in improving rail connectivity in the UK.