FirstGroup has submitted a new application to the Office of Rail and Road for more open access services.

First said it was the ‘first phase’ of three separate applications which it will be making to the regulator.

Together, these applications cover a new route between Cardiff, Birmingham, Derby, Sheffield and York, as well as a second application between Rochdale, Manchester Victoria and London Euston, and a longer track access agreement for Lumo services between London Euston and Stirling via Carlisle and Larbert. First acquired the current agreement for this route from Grand Union last year, and it runs until 2030.

In addition, First is proposing to buy new rolling stock, which it says will mean ‘continued investment in UK manufacturing of c.£300 million, and long-term jobs’.

Should the applications be successful, FirstGroup will make use of its option to buy more Hitachi trains built in County Durham, including five battery electric bi-mode trains for the Stirling route and three battery electric bi-mode trains for Rochdale.

First had been planning to lease five Class 222s for the Stirling route, but these would be used for the new services between Cardiff and York instead.

First has revised its Rochdale application in response to the ORR’s concerns about network capacity, which were set out in its letter of July 2025, when it rejected FirstGroup’s original application. First said it has found sufficient space on the network ‘using extensive modelling’.

FirstGroup chief executive officer Graham Sutherland said: ‘We have extensive experience of running open access rail operations in the UK, and passengers consistently rate our services highly. Our new services will allow us to bring the substantial benefits of open access to even more communities, at no additional cost to the taxpayer. Lumo also pays more towards infrastructure investment than other long-distance operators, delivering growth on the railway and connectivity to local communities, so the whole system gains.

‘Our open access services connect previously under-served communities and unlock private investment, creating jobs and shifting travel towards more sustainable options. We look forward to working closely with stakeholders as we develop our applications.’

The ORR will now launch a consultation allowing other operators to comment, and also discuss the implications with Network Rail.

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