Lumo launches West Coast rail service with 100 jobs in Preston

Low-cost rail operator Lumo is set to launch its new West Coast service on Monday, creating around 100 jobs at its new operational base in Preston.

The service will connect Stirling, Preston and London Euston, with tickets from London to Preston starting at £23.90 and Preston to Stirling from £14.90.

Community partners, Lumo apprentices and invited guests were given a preview of the new route ahead of the official launch.

The new rail base opened in Preston in March as part of the operator’s expansion on the West Coast Main Line.

Stuart Jones, managing director at First Rail Open Access, said: “It has taken 18 months to get to the point of having a train moving on the track.”

Looking ahead, he added: “We have ambitions to bring brand new Hitachi trains here and we’re looking at a timeline doing it in four to five years’ time.”

Graeme Smith, from Chorley, pictured below, has had a 25 year career on the railways moving from a conductor to a driver and will be mentoring the next generation of drivers.

He said: “It is real positive step creating jobs in Lancashire and a bit of competition across the main line.

“It is generating more business in tourism and more connectivity to different places where there is not a service.”

Lumo already operates services on the East Coast Main Line, linking Glasgow, Falkirk and Edinburgh with the North East of England and London.