Sixteen new apprentices at open access rail operator Lumo are enjoying making the switch from the classroom to the cab of the Class 222 fleet of trains.

Lumo currently operates popular low-cost services on the East Coast Main Line connecting destinations including Glasgow, Edinburgh and Newcastle with London and is planning to launch services on the West Coast Main Line in the coming months. Lumo’s East Coast service consistently achieves high-scores for customer satisfaction and reliability.

The new service will offer Lumo’s same great customer service, low-cost fares and connections to some previously underserved stations.

Lumo has revealed exciting details of the newly refurbished Class 222 trains, with refreshed existing seats and some coaches of the fleet being fitted with new sleek grey and silver seating. Lumo operates a single-class of Standard seating, offering all customers the best seats to take in the picturesque views on the new route.

Lumo’s Apprentice Customer Drivers began their training programme in June 2025, which is designed to develop them into skilled and proficient Customer Drivers. The course includes both practical and theoretical elements, with the recruits learning from the experienced Lumo team.

Lindsay Gauntlett, Head of People and Culture at Lumo, said: “We’re proud of the progress of our new apprentices preparing to help us launch our new route connecting London Euston and Stirling.

“Nearly all Lumo colleagues have had the opportunity to train through our apprenticeship programme with Train’d Up. As a company, we believe in supporting local people to have the opportunity to work in the rail industry, regardless of their previous career and background.”

Lumo’s new route will link London Euston directly to Stirling, also calling at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet (serving Coatbridge), Greenfaulds (serving Cumbernauld) and Larbert.

Significantly, this new route gives Whifflet, Greenfaulds, and Larbert their first-ever direct rail services to London, providing substantial economic benefits and new travel opportunities.

Lumo will be opening a new HQ in Preston for the services due to operate on the West Coast Main Line with tickets going on sale in due course.

People can find out more about the new service at lumo.co.uk/stirling