Lumo looking to extend route to Glasgow

The all-electric train operator which has caused a stir on the Edinburgh to London route is looking to run trains to Glasgow perhaps from next summer.

FirstGroup which owns Lumo has said that the company is in discussions with Transport Scotland and Network Rail to extend the routes on to Glasgow after the trains arrive in Edinburgh. This would for example offer passengers a direct link between Newcastle and Glasgow.

The low fares have made Lumo very popular and the company says it has carried more than two million customers since it launched in October 2021, playing its part in reducing emissions by moving customers from air to rail.

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.”

The new route is subject to approval and the train company will continue to discuss with Network Rail and the Office of Rail and Road.