London–Stirling rail route services operated by open-access rail operator Lumo will start on May 25. The route will run via Preston on the West Coast Main Line. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Lumo sets May 25 launch for London–Stirling route
Lumo sets May 25 launch for London–Stirling route

The connection will link London with parts of northwest England and Scotland. It will serve cities including Preston and Stirling. Lumo says the service will strengthen the UK’s low-cost rail offer.

The announcement was marked in Stirling through a promotional event organized with Stirling Pride. As part of the campaign, “golden tickets” to London were offered in the city. Drag artist Cherry West, a festival participant, supported the event. It drew attention to the new London–Stirling rail link.

According to Stuart Jones, the route launch represents an important step toward expanding competitive rail service on the West Coast Main Line. The service will offer direct and fast journeys between Scotland, northern England and London. It will focus on low costs and accessibility.

Also, Lumo is partnering with several community events across the UK. They include Glasgow Pride, Edinburgh Pride and Pride in Gateshead. These partnerships support its positioning as a socially engaged rail operator.

Cheap fares on the London–Stirling rail route

Lumo’s new route will become one of the UK’s more affordable rail connections. The announced starting fares are:

GBP 23.90 for London–Preston;

GBP 14.90 for Preston–Stirling;

GBP 29.90 for London Euston–Stirling.

In addition, trains on the route will call at major stations including Milton Keynes, Crewe, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet and Greenfaulds. The service will also give areas such as Coatbridge and Cumbernauld direct rail connections to London for the first time.

Meanwhile, Lumo says the London–Scotland route is designed to encourage passengers to switch from road and air travel to rail. It will do so through reduced fares and simplified services.

Modernized Class 222 trains for low-cost service

The route will use trains in Lumo’s signature blue livery. It will follow the operator’s single-class model, with an emphasis on efficiency and lower fares.

Separately, Alstom is supporting the project by modernizing the Class 222 train fleet. The fleet is being adapted for the new service.

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