A newly launched rail service linking London and Scotland has been suspended only a week after its debut due to a mechanical fault affecting its sole operating train.
Train operator Lumo confirmed that services on the West Coast Main Line were cancelled on Monday after a technical issue left the company unable to run its scheduled journeys.
The route, operated by Lumo and owned by FirstGroup, officially launched on 25 May, connecting London Euston with Stirling.
The service also stops at key stations including Milton Keynes Central, Crewe railway station, Preston railway station and Carlisle railway station.
Both services scheduled for Monday, one northbound and one southbound, were cancelled.
Passengers affected by the disruption have been advised to use alternative transport options, including replacement coaches, taxis or services operated by other train companies.
Lumo said normal operations are expected to resume on Tuesday.
A company spokesperson said: “Since launch, the vast majority of our services have operated as planned, however, a few services have been cancelled with alternative travel offered to customers.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and are working closely with Alstom who maintain the trains to ensure minimal disruption to customer journeys.”
The temporary suspension highlights the challenges facing the operator as it currently relies on a single train for the route.
The service is presently limited to one return journey per day, although Lumo plans to expand operations to four daily return services by late July as additional trains enter service.
The affected train is a refurbished Class 222 Meridian unit previously operated by East Midlands Railway.
When the route was launched, Lumo said it was “designed to offer low-cost fares and attract more people to train over air and road”.
The company already operates services on the East Coast Main Line, connecting London King’s Cross with Scottish destinations including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Falkirk.
Unlike franchised rail operators, Lumo operates under an open-access model, meaning it receives no taxpayer subsidies and assumes all commercial risk for its services.
The route has permission to operate on the West Coast Main Line until 2030 under rights granted by the Office of Rail and Road.