FirstGroup Seeks Approval for New Open Access Route Between Hereford and London

according to a recent announcement from FirstGroup, the company is taking steps to introduce an open access passenger service that will connect Hereford, Bristol Parkway, and London under its Lumo brand.

the proposal includes two return trips daily from London Paddington to Hereford on weekdays and one on Sundays. The route will make stops at key locations such as Bristol Parkway,Severn Tunnel Junction,Cwmbran,Pontypool & New Inn,and Abergavenny.

This new service aims to utilize rolling stock that can be included in their December 2024 order for 14 Hitachi Rail AT300 trainsets.

The formal application was submitted to the office of Rail & Road on June 6.Following this submission, a consultation phase will commence alongside discussions with Network Rail for necessary approvals. This service is expected to coincide with another planned route from London to Carmarthen set for launch in December 2027.

If approved, this initiative would boost the number of direct services between Hereford and London from four up to six each day. This change aims to fill existing gaps in the schedule while providing more options for daytime and evening travel into London. Additionally, it opens up new direct connections between Hereford and Bristol Parkway.

The introduction of this rail service could significantly benefit nearly 200,000 residents in Torfaen and Monmouthshire by offering them a ‘conveniently priced’ direct link to London without needing transfers or long drives.

“We have a solid track record with open access rail operations,” stated Graham Sutherland, CEO of FirstGroup. “Our goal is to extend our successful Lumo model onto this new route. open access services cater specifically to underserved areas while providing passengers with affordable choices. Feedback from travelers consistently shows high satisfaction rates; these operators are creating fresh travel opportunities without relying on public funds.” He added that they plan on collaborating closely with stakeholders as they develop their application further.