As of: March 27, 2024, 5:57 p.m
By: Oliver Schmitz
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“The Jacobite” train, known from the Harry Potter films, has been suspended for the time being.
The culprit is a dispute over safety regulations that could have dire consequences.
Fort William/Mallaig – The so-called “Hogwarts Express” is the star of several iconic scenes from the Harry Potter films.
Whether standing on platform 9 ¾ in London, on the first journey over the picturesque Glenfinnan Viaduct towards the magic school or the first appearance of the dementors.
The model for the film train was the real steam locomotive called “The Jacobite”, which still runs across the west of Scotland to this day.
Actually - because the historic train has been standing still since March 20th.
Due to safety concerns, operations have been suspended until further notice and all trips are canceled as a result.
This was announced by the operator West Coast Railways (WCR), which now fears greater damage.
Harry Potter train is canceled for longer due to safety regulations - operator worries about the future
Copy of Montage small circle (42).jpg © Marc John/Imago & United Archives
“The Jacobite” has been operated with an exception for the last 30 years because the steam train has no central locking.
This is actually mandatory for train operations in Great Britain.
Since the permit now ends, the regulatory authority Office of Rail and Road (ORR) must decide whether it will be extended again.
However, it is currently unclear whether this will actually happen.
The operator of the Harry Potter train has now warned that his business with the “Hogwarts Express” would be destroyed if million-dollar retrofits were necessary.
According to the company, there is already a risk of sales losses of up to 50 million pounds (58.5 million euros) and lasting damage to local tourism.
Until the final decision is made, the connection between Mallaig on the Scottish west coast and Fort William at the foot of the highest British mountain, Ben Nevis, will continue to be lost.
The outage is currently dated until April 8th.
The operation of the Harry Potter train was temporarily stopped in the summer of 2023 because there were problems with the carriage doors.
Longer outage threatens: What will happen to the tickets for the Harry Potter train?
The “Jacobite” served as the model for the “Hogwarts Express” in the Harry Potter films.
© Jane Barlow/PA Wire/dpa
According to the operator, all tourists or travelers who booked tickets for “The Jacobite” during the affected period should receive a full refund.
Not only the train itself, but also the journey over the Glennfinan Viaduct, also known from the Harry Potter films, is very popular with tourists as a photo opportunity, among other things.
In fact, the Scottish steam locomotive is one of the most popular train routes in the world.
(os with dpa)