FirstGroup, which currently runs train franchises across Britain, said that passengers would benefit from “low fares, free Wi-Fi and on-board catering”, on new, single-class trains that would run five times a day between London Kings Cross and the Scottish capital.
Although possible fare structures have not been announced, FirstGroup said it would be “highly competitive with budget air carriers”.
The service is apparently designed specifically to lure passengers away from low-cost airlines, on a route by which two-thirds of trips are currently made by plane.
If FirstGroup’s submission for track access, currently with the Office of Rail Regulation, is successful, the new services will be introduced from 2018.
Tim O’Toole, FirstGroup’s chief executive, said:
“These innovative plans will give customers travelling between London, the North East of England and Edinburgh an attractive alternative to flying. We hope to entice passengers away from budget airlines through our low fares and high-quality trains.”
The four-and-a-half-hour service would make stops at Stevenage, Newcastle and Morpeth. The stops in Stevenage and Morpeth would be convenient for travellers wanting to then take a flight from Britain, as these train stations are hopping-off points for Luton, Stansted, and Newcastle airports.
Telegraph Travel has previously investigated the cheapest way to get to Edinburgh from London, with coach services proving the most economical mode of transport. At the end of last year, the findings showed that a coach ticket cost £36, and a rail ticket £87 when booked a week ahead of travel.
“These innovative plans will give customers travelling between London, the North East of England and Edinburgh an attractive alternative to flying. We hope to entice passengers away from budget airlines through our low fares and high-quality trains.”
The four-and-a-half-hour service would make stops at Stevenage, Newcastle and Morpeth. The stops in Stevenage and Morpeth would be convenient for travellers wanting to then take a flight from Britain, as these train stations are hopping-off points for Luton, Stansted, and Newcastle airports.
Telegraph Travel has previously investigated the cheapest way to get to Edinburgh from London, with coach services proving the most economical mode of transport. At the end of last year, the findings showed that a coach ticket cost £36, and a rail ticket £87 when booked a week ahead of travel.