Jacobite steam train services resume after suspension lifted

AN ICONIC steam train made famous by the Harry Potter films is back on track after its service was suspended over safety fears.
The iconic Jacobite steam train pulls into Glenfinnan Station. Picture: Stephen MansfieldThe iconic Jacobite steam train pulls into Glenfinnan Station. Picture: Stephen Mansfield
The iconic Jacobite steam train pulls into Glenfinnan Station. Picture: Stephen Mansfield

There were fears that the Jacobite steam train - which appeared as the Hogwarts Express in the movies - would be unable to operate this year.

But after a suspension was lifted, fans can are once again able to enjoy the 84-mile route between Mallaig and Fort William in the Scottish Highlands.

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The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) imposed a prohibition notice on operating company West Coast Railway (WCR) in February following a number of incidents throughout the past year.

But the suspension was lifted in March, allowing the company to operate their services again.

A spokesman for WCR said: “WCR has not had a smooth run leading up to this year’s trip, following the rail suspension issued on February 17.

“We are very pleased to be able to run the service again this year as we know how important it is to the local economy.

“WCR also realises the suspension caused uncertainty for passengers, but did everything possible to keep people fully informed, and, because of this, the company has frozen prices for the second year running with a standard return at £34.”

The train carried 70,000 passengers last year and the spokesman confirmed that advance bookings for the service were up 20 per cent on the same time last year.

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