Open Access Train operator Lumo commenced operations, with the first train departing Kings Cross to Edinburhg on a press trip.
Lumo Class 803 Hitachi AT300 – Image, Hitachi Rail.
Lumo will operate between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh, operating between the principal stations of Stevenage, Newcastle, and Morpeth, with an end-to-end journey taking 4 and half hours.
Initially, it will operate two services a day, scaling to five up and down the East Coast Main Line, as it targets domestic air travellers and rail travellers on a budget, whilst trying to go after a slice of incumbent LNER’s services too.
The trains will be configured in a single class, with five carriages per train, with a 2 -2 seating layout. Note, table seating will be at a premium on these services, with the majority of seating in airline style.
Onboard train plan – Image, Lumo.
The trains themselves are based on the Hitachi AT-300 family of trains, which in turn are the ones used by Great Western Railway, LNER, TransPennine Express and First Hull Train
Whilst Lumo promised £19.90 fares, it seems they’ve all been sold and fares are now capacity-driven. As such, you’ll have fun finding super-cheap fares.
According to FirstGroup and Hitachi, Early ticket sales data suggest a reaction to Lumo’s greener and affordable offering has been positive.
With the first passenger services beginning on Monday [25th October], Lumo says sales are above expectations, despite selling tickets for just 44 days.
Weekend train services have been particularly popular as people begin to rediscover using the rail network for staycations and to visit friends and family.
The inaugural service also marks a significant feat of manufacturing as the brand new, state-of-the-art Hitachi AT300 intercity electric trains were constructed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic while observing appropriate safeguards.
FirstGroup’s £100m order with Hitachi Rail for the manufacture and maintenance of Lumo’s AT300 intercity electric trains was financed by Beacon Rail.
In Quotes
Helen Wylde, Managing Director for Lumo, said:
“The support we have received for Lumo has been fantastic. We have always said we intend to reimagine rail travel and we are glad people are giving us a chance. Tickets are selling well beyond expectations, and we have had great feedback about our commitment to offering a different kind of rail company. However, rest assured we are not complacent and understand we must earn travellers’ trust in the Lumo promise.”
Steve Montgomery, First Rail Managing Director, said: “
Lumo underlines our commitment at FirstGroup to innovation and customer service to reimagining rail travel. We have invested over £100 million to ensure Lumo stands apart and encourages people to choose rail travel over air for journeys between the two capitals. This is an important moment for the industry as we encourage more people back onto the rail network.”
Jim Brewin, Head of UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail said:
“This fleet is another milestone for our North East factory, with the highest number of parts being sourced from Hitachi Rail’s UK supply chain. Despite the initial challenges of the pandemic, Hitachi Rail has delivered these 100% electric trains on time, which is testament to the determination and resilience of everyone involved.
Ahead of COP26, the Lumo fleet demonstrates how UK manufacturing and rail can offer a zero-emission alternative to flying and deliver green growth.”
Formal Launch
High sales- but the passenger experience will need to be met – Image, Lumo/Hitachi Rail.
Lumo’s passenger services begin on Monday 25th October. It aims to create more than 13 million additional passenger journeys in the next decade as well as reducing carbon emissions by encouraging travellers to use greener, electric rail travel.
It seems that Lumo’s service was well received by the press on Thursday (yours truly’s invite was not in the post it seems), with the promised seating, power ports and wifi being available on the train.
However, that won’t matter much – as the big thing will be the launch on Monday 25th – and how Lumo copes with the influx of passengers.
With seemingly high bookings in the launch phase, it will be interesting to see how the operational shakedown goes, as well as the forward bookings – and how much trade it can take from its competitors – be they road, air or rail.
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