Published 23 Mar 2026
A major new rail base in Preston has officially opened in a landmark moment for the city, creating around 100 jobs as Lumo prepares to launch direct Scotland-London trains.
Lumo partnered with the colourful Preston Caribbean Carnival for an eye-catching procession from Preston Railway Station to the new headquarters on Fox Street, with twenty performers dazzling locals with a taste of what’s to come when the carnival returns in May.
Around 50 VIP guests were given an exclusive insight into the new operation with Sir Mark Hendrick MP, Member of Parliament for Preston, officially opening the base. Scottish boyband Just The Brave, who have racked up over five million likes on TikTok, also entertained those at the launch with an energetic performance.
Guests were also given a first look at what the newly refurbished Class 222 trains on the route will look like, with a distinctive blue livery and a refreshed interior. Lumo operates a single-class of standard seating, offering all customers the best seats to take in the picturesque views on the new route.
Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, said: “This is a significant moment for both Lumo colleagues and the people of Preston as we countdown to officially launching our new West Coast service.
“We’re excited to be investing in our new base in Preston which is creating jobs and supporting the local economy. We’re looking forward to becoming a part of the community here, already forging some brilliant partnerships, with the Preston Caribbean Carnival team helping us to open our HQ here in real style.
“We can’t wait to begin this new service in the coming months, offering simple, low-cost tickets and direct services between Scotland, the North West of England and London.”
The soon to arrive open access service is set to bring big savings to customers on the popular route between Scotland and London, with tickets now on sale starting from just £29.90 between London Euston and Stirling. The new route will also call at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert.
Sir Mark Hendrick MP, Member of Parliament for Preston, said: “I’m thrilled that Lumo have chosen Preston as the site for their headquarters for their new rail operations between London and Stirling in Scotland.
“This new rail hub will bring jobs for local people, quality apprenticeships, low-cost rail fares, more route options and better connectivity for all rail passengers. As Lumo is an open access operator, they will be able to offer low-cost fares.
“By basing themselves in Preston, as an anchor hub between London and Scotland, I envisage a very positive knock-on effect to the local economy. This is great news for leisure and business passengers and I hope this development will attract businesses to move their operations to the city.
“I look forward to seeing increased growth in the open access operator model in the UK rail industry and wholeheartedly welcome Lumo to our city.”
Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader at Preston City Council, said: “The opening of Lumo’s new headquarters is a significant investment in our city and a real boost for local jobs, skills, and opportunities.
“Attracting a new major employer shows Preston is on the up and our local economy is growing from strength to strength linked to our station quarter and wider government investment in the UK rail network.
“We welcome Lumo into our community and look forward to the positive impact their presence will have on our city.”
Lumo’s apprentice drivers also spoke to guests at the event. They began training in June 2025 and are working towards Level 3 Train Driver apprenticeships through specialist training provider Train’d Up.
Further recruitment includes customer driver instructors, qualified drivers and around 50 customer experience ambassadors across the route, with Preston hosting one of the main assessment centres. Many of the roles are open to people without previous rail experience, encouraging people from a diverse range of backgrounds to join the industry.
Lumo is renowned for being among the top performing UK rail operators, with industry leading customer satisfaction scores and reliability. Lumo has also won a range of awards for powerful community partnerships.
Lumo partnered with the colourful Preston Caribbean Carnival for an eye-catching procession from Preston Railway Station to the new headquarters on Fox Street, with twenty performers dazzling locals with a taste of what’s to come when the carnival returns in May.
Around 50 VIP guests were given an exclusive insight into the new operation with Sir Mark Hendrick MP, Member of Parliament for Preston, officially opening the base. Scottish boyband Just The Brave, who have racked up over five million likes on TikTok, also entertained those at the launch with an energetic performance.
Guests were also given a first look at what the newly refurbished Class 222 trains on the route will look like, with a distinctive blue livery and a refreshed interior. Lumo operates a single-class of standard seating, offering all customers the best seats to take in the picturesque views on the new route.
Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, said: “This is a significant moment for both Lumo colleagues and the people of Preston as we countdown to officially launching our new West Coast service.
“We’re excited to be investing in our new base in Preston which is creating jobs and supporting the local economy. We’re looking forward to becoming a part of the community here, already forging some brilliant partnerships, with the Preston Caribbean Carnival team helping us to open our HQ here in real style.
“We can’t wait to begin this new service in the coming months, offering simple, low-cost tickets and direct services between Scotland, the North West of England and London.”
The soon to arrive open access service is set to bring big savings to customers on the popular route between Scotland and London, with tickets now on sale starting from just £29.90 between London Euston and Stirling. The new route will also call at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert.
Sir Mark Hendrick MP, Member of Parliament for Preston, said: “I’m thrilled that Lumo have chosen Preston as the site for their headquarters for their new rail operations between London and Stirling in Scotland.
“This new rail hub will bring jobs for local people, quality apprenticeships, low-cost rail fares, more route options and better connectivity for all rail passengers. As Lumo is an open access operator, they will be able to offer low-cost fares.
“By basing themselves in Preston, as an anchor hub between London and Scotland, I envisage a very positive knock-on effect to the local economy. This is great news for leisure and business passengers and I hope this development will attract businesses to move their operations to the city.
“I look forward to seeing increased growth in the open access operator model in the UK rail industry and wholeheartedly welcome Lumo to our city.”
Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader at Preston City Council, said: “The opening of Lumo’s new headquarters is a significant investment in our city and a real boost for local jobs, skills, and opportunities.
“Attracting a new major employer shows Preston is on the up and our local economy is growing from strength to strength linked to our station quarter and wider government investment in the UK rail network.
“We welcome Lumo into our community and look forward to the positive impact their presence will have on our city.”
Lumo’s apprentice drivers also spoke to guests at the event. They began training in June 2025 and are working towards Level 3 Train Driver apprenticeships through specialist training provider Train’d Up.
Further recruitment includes customer driver instructors, qualified drivers and around 50 customer experience ambassadors across the route, with Preston hosting one of the main assessment centres. Many of the roles are open to people without previous rail experience, encouraging people from a diverse range of backgrounds to join the industry.
Lumo is renowned for being among the top performing UK rail operators, with industry leading customer satisfaction scores and reliability. Lumo has also won a range of awards for powerful community partnerships.
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