FirstGroup plc has submitted the first phase of an application to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) seeking approval to operate a new open access rail service between Hereford and London.
The proposal forms part of FirstGroup’s strategy to expand its open access rail operations, building on the success of its Lumo business. Lumo’s existing service, which runs between London and Edinburgh, has significantly improved long-distance rail connectivity on the East Coast Mainline in recent years.
New Hereford-London rail service details
FirstGroup plans to operate two return journeys daily (one on Sundays) between London Paddington and Hereford, calling at Bristol Parkway, Severn Tunnel Junction, and key South Wales stations including Cwmbran, Pontypool & New Inn, and Abergavenny.
The additional services would increase direct London trains from Hereford from four to six each weekday, addressing current timetable gaps with more daytime and evening options. The route would also provide new direct journeys to Bristol Parkway.
The new service would connect nearly 200,000 residents in the Torfaen and Monmouthshire council areas directly to London, encouraging a shift from road to rail travel. It is expected to bring faster journeys from Hereford and support tourism to regional attractions such as the Brecon Beacons and Blaenavon World Heritage Site.
Graham Sutherland, Chief Executive Officer of FirstGroup, said: “We have extensive experience operating open access rail services and are keen to bring our successful Lumo model to this new route… We will work closely with stakeholders as we develop our application and build our case for this new service.”
Following submission, a consultation period will begin, alongside discussions with Network Rail to secure necessary approvals. The Hereford service is expected to launch alongside FirstGroup’s planned service to Carmarthen in December 2027.
Share on:
