Exciting new trains could transform direct travel from Torbay to London

FirstGroup, which operates the long-distance train company Lumo, has applied for a new open-access service linking Torbay with London.

If approved, the weekday service could increase from three direct trains to eight.

Lumo launched in October 2021 and currently runs between London and Edinburgh. The service has carried around two and a half million passengers and is considering extensions to Glasgow.

According to FirstGroup, the proposed service would provide five return journeys each day between Paignton and London Paddington, almost tripling the current direct services.

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It is understood that the first Lumo train from Torbay will arrive in the capital at 10.19am on a weekday.

ABOVE: Map of the proposed route. Credit: Lumo

The company says the new route would offer the Torbay area a “robust, regular direct service to London” and improve regional links to Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads. 

The proposed route would call at Torquay, Torre, Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Exeter St David’s, Taunton, Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa.

The application has been submitted to the ORR, with a consultation period and discussions with Network Rail to follow.

Services could potentially begin in 2028.