Those who have experienced the magical vistas of the famous train passing through the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands will truly understand the tragedy of this situation. The Harry Potter steam train has been suspended, and can no longer operate taking passengers onboard.
The beloved service takes magic lovers on a heartwarming journey from Fort William to Mallaig, bringing in a whopping £20 million to the UK’s economy. However, the Hogwarts Express is no more, as West Coast Railways (WCR) did not get an exemption from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to operate the trip due to it having old-fashioned hinged-door carriages.
What is more, the operator cautioned that the suspended Harry Potter train could cost the UK economy as much as £50 million in losses. To be approved, the train would need to be fitted with modern central locking systems carriage doors.
James Shuttleworth, commercial manager at WCR expressed: “We are disappointed to have to suspend this service and we are sorry for the inconvenience caused to our customers who have booked trips.”
“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.”
However, an ORR spokesperson said: “West Coast Railway’s application for an exemption failed and they made a claim for judicial review. A temporary exemption was granted in order to maintain the status quo, enabling WCR to operate whilst the litigation reached a conclusion.”
For now, all passengers who purchased tickets will get a full refund.
Could there still be hope?
In short, yes. An application is still being assessed for a new exemption submitted on March 8, awaiting a judicial ruling.
The ORR spokesperson continued: “Despite this, WCR chose to sell tickets when it was far from certain that a new application for an exemption would be granted, either in time for the commencement of services or at all. It submitted an exemption application on March 8, which we are now assessing. ORR is disappointed that WCR appears not to have made sensible contingency plans for the benefit of their customers.”