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energy shortage west coast main line (WCML) forcing ‘all-electric’ budget rail operators to run diesel engine The train is at Scotland arrive London Serve.
Lumo, part of the transportation company first group companyis an “all-electric rail service connecting London with the rest of the east coast”, with routes linking Glasgow, Edinburgh and the UK capital.
according toScotFrom spring, Lumo’s new route via WCML will be forced to rely on diesel engines to operate between Stirling and London.
Energy supply problems were reported mainly around Crewe and Acton in London.
The rail operator will initially use five six-car Class 222 trains “using intelligent engine management systems to reduce fuel use wherever possible”.
A Lumo spokesman said the railway company aimed to “operate electric-battery hybrid trains in the long term”.
They said: “We look forward to launching the new service linking Stirling to London Euston. Throughout the introduction of the Lumo service, Network Rail highlighted to ORR the power supply constraints on the West Coast Main Line (WCML), which meant we would initially operate refurbished Class 222 trains, with the hope of operating electric-battery hybrid trains in the longer term.
“Rail continues to be one of the greenest modes of transport, especially air and road transport. We will continue to work with industry partners to roll out these new services, which will strengthen local economies in the communities we will better connect.”
Some freight operators on the line are also constrained by insufficient power from Glasgow-London WCML and are unable to switch to faster, more sustainable electric locomotives.
Lumo is coming soon New route connecting Stirling to London Euston Starting in May 2026.
The group plans to operate five train a day between euston and Stirlingstopping at 10 English and Scottish stations along the way.
The new “open access” service will be Heading to the West Coast and other operators including TransPennine Express and Lanna.
Read more: Budget train company launches London to Scotland service for £33