New train services between London and Greater Manchester could be launched to encourage more people to switch from road travel to rail. Transport company FirstGroup announced its plan to run six return trains a day between London Euston and Rochdale via Manchester Victoria. The last time Rochdale had a direct London link via the Manchester city centre station was in 2000. Services would also call at Eccles, Newton-le-Willows and Warrington Bank Quay. The station at Eccles provides connectivity for Salford’s MediaCity area. FirstGroup said it would use new UK-built trains powered by electricity and batteries. It estimates the services, which could begin from 2027, would provide 1.6 million people in the North West with a “convenient and competitively priced direct rail service to London from stations that are more local to them”, helping to stimulate a shift in transport mode from coach and car travel to rail. The services would be operated under FirstGroup’s Lumo brand, which currently runs between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh. Lumo, which was launched in October 2021, runs on an open access basis, meaning it receives no taxpayer-funded subsidies and takes on all revenue risk. Most train operators in England are paid a management fee,...