Plan to run new trains from London to Rochdale

The new service would receive no taxpayer-funded subsidies, FirstGroup says

A transport firm has announced a bid to run a new train service between London and Greater Manchester.

FirstGroup wants to run six electric return trains a day between London Euston and Rochdale, via Manchester Victoria.

The company has submitted an application to the Office of Rail and Road seeking permission to launch the new route.

The last time Rochdale had a direct London link via Manchester city centre was in 2000.

Economic benefits

Services would also call at Eccles, Newton-le-Willows and Warrington Bank Quay.

FirstGroup said new UK-built trains powered by electricity and batteries could begin travelling the route from 2027.

The firm said it would provide 1.6 million people in the North West with a "convenient and competitively priced direct rail service" to the capital.

The services would be operated under FirstGroup's Lumo brand, which already runs trains between London King's Cross and Edinburgh.

Lumo, which was launched in October 2021, runs on an open access basis, meaning it receives no taxpayer-funded subsidies and takes on all revenue risk.

FirstGroup chief executive Graham Sutherland said the firm had "extensive experience" of running open access rail operations.

"We have seen the level of growth and opportunity that is possible with open access, as well as the positive effect it has on the wider market, including economic and environmental benefits," he said.