RAIL passengers will soon have an alternative method of travel between Glasgow and London as budget firm Lumo seeks to expand its routes.
At present the only direct rail service between the two cities is via Avanti's West Coast line.
The firm has been criticised for its poor performance, with its managing director summoned to Westminster over its "unacceptable performance" last year.
But Lumo, which currently operates between Edinburgh and London, seeks to offer a competing transport option for travellers.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has approved the extension of the existing service, so that the firm can offer a longer journey from and to Glasgow Queen Street. It came as several other routes within England, including new Lumo routes to Hull and Newcastle, were approved.
Stephanie Tobyn, ORR’s director of strategy, policy and reform, said: "Approving these additional open access services will increase connectivity on the East Coast Main Line.
"Importantly, we have ensured the approval of these services can be accommodated alongside the major service uplifts by other operators, which have been planned into the December 2025 timetable, so together passengers and freight customers can benefit from more direct connections and greater choice from December."
Lumo says it will provide two northbound services and one southbound service between London King’s Cross and Glasgow on weekdays, and one in each direction on Sundays.
According to consumer watchdog Which?, Lumo services can be compared to budget airlines – with cheaper tickets, luggage restrictions, no first class and no buffet car.
Lumo was found to be consistently cheaper than rival East Coast rail firm LNER, with returns between Edinburgh and London as low as £91.
Prices and timetables for the new Glasgow service are yet to be confirmed.
