A new train service between London and Scotland has been suspended just a week after launching due to a fault with the only train on the route. Lumo, owned by FirstGroup, began running trains between Euston and Stirling on May 25, but was unable to operate services on the West Coast Main Line on Monday because of a mechanical problem.
The two services planned for Monday, one in each direction, were cancelled. Passengers are being advised to travel by taxi or coach, or use another train operator, depending on their route. Lumo has urged customers to check its website or social media channels for the latest information.
A Lumo spokesperson said: “Since launch, the vast majority of our services have operated as planned, however, a few services have been cancelled with alternative travel offered to customers. We apologise for the inconvenience and are working closely with Alstom who maintain the trains to ensure minimal disruption to customer journeys.”
The faulty train is a refurbished Class 222 Meridian train previously used by East Midlands Railway. Lumo’s lack of rolling stock on the West Coast Main Line means its timetable has initially been restricted to one daily return service. As it receives more trains, this is expected to be gradually increased to four by late July, with an additional daily return service between Euston and Preston.
When the west coast route launched, Lumo said it was “designed to offer low-cost fares and attract more people to train over air and road”. Lumo also runs services on the East Coast Main Line, connecting London King’s Cross with Edinburgh, Glasgow and Falkirk. It operates on an open access basis, meaning it sets its own fares, takes on all revenue risk and receives no taxpayer-funded subsidies.
