‘Hogwarts Express’ cancelled after West Coast fails in bid to overturn ban on carriages

West Coast Railways suspends iconic Jacobite service

The UK's largest main line heritage rail operator* West Coast Railways (WCR) has suspended its world-famous Jacobite steam train service with immediate effect.

The iconic service has been running for over 30 years with an exemption certificate that enables it to operate with hinged-door carriages on the main line, granted by rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

WCR has submitted an application to renew its long-term exemption and a request for a temporary exemption to operate from March 2024 while the ORR assesses its longer-term submission.

As the ORR has not yet granted an exemption, WCR has suspended The Jacobite service until further notice.

James Shuttleworth, Commercial Manager, WCR, said: "We are disappointed to have to suspend this service and we are sorry for the inconvenience caused to our customers who have booked trips. We again appeal to the ORR to reconsider our request for a temporary exemption.

"The Jacobite service is enjoyed by thousands of customers every year. It boosts the local economies of Mallaig and Fort William and brings an estimated £20 million into the UK's tourism sector. If the ORR does not grant us a further exemption, we believe this could lead to up to £50 million in lost value to both local and national communities."

"We remain committed to working with the ORR to find a long-term solution which safeguards the future of heritage services on the main line."   

Passengers with bookings for the Jacobite will be offered a full refund.

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