FirstGroup plc has announced an update on the launch timing for its new Stirling to London rail service under the group’s cut-price Lumo brand.

The service is now expected to commence in mid 2026 following the delivery of trains and staff training. The original start date had been June 2025.

The new train will significantly increase direct connections to and from London and central and southern Scotland.

Stations served by the new service will include Stirling, Larbert, Greenfaulds (serving Cumbernauld), Whifflet (serving Coatbridge), Motherwell and Lockerbie.

Of these stations, Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert will have their first direct services to London.

FirstGroup said in a stock exchange statement: “As previously announced, in 2024 the Group acquired Grand Union Wcml which included track access rights granted by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to run open access rail services from London Euston to Stirling.

“The current track access agreement runs until 2030 and includes four return services a day (three on Sundays) and an additional, fifth daily return service between Preston and London, seven days a week.

“The Group has subsequently entered into rolling stock leases for the duration of the current track access agreement, for five Class 222 six car diesel trains with Eversholt Rail, with a total seat capacity of c.340 standard class seats per service, representing c.447m annual seat miles when fully operational.

“Services are currently expected to commence mid 2026 following the delivery of the trains and staff training.

“The new service will be operated under the successful Lumo brand and will provide more choice for passengers with significantly increased direct connections to and from London and central and southern Scotland, making use of available paths on the network.

“Stations served will include Stirling, Larbert, Greenfaulds (serving Cumbernauld), Whifflet (serving Coatbridge), Motherwell, Lockerbie, Carlisle, Preston, Crewe, Nuneaton, Milton Keynes and London Euston. Of these stations, Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert will have their first direct services to London.

“Following a period of mobilisation, the Group expects to achieve annual revenues of c.£50m and a low double digit operating profit margin, pre IFRS 16.

“Looking ahead, the Group will evaluate opportunities to extend the track access agreement, making use of the option for additional electric or bi-mode trains from the Group’s recently announced £500m rolling stock lease agreement.

“Open access rail operators are set up with solely private investment and take full commercial risk and opportunity.

“The benefits of the successful open access model, recognised by Government and the independent regulator ORR, include connecting under-served places, helping to drive economic growth and providing additional capacity on core routes which can push a modal shift away from carbon-intensive travel.”

FirstGroup CEO Graham Sutherland said: “The mobilisation of our new service between London and Stirling is another important step towards rolling out Lumo as a nationwide operator and growing our open access capacity, a key priority for the Group.

“Our investment and capabilities in open access rail have delivered reliable, value for money services, grown rail demand and helped to spur economic growth and connect communities. We look forward to doing the same on our new services.”