Lumo (train operating company)

Lumo is a British open-access operator owned by FirstGroup that operates passenger trains on the East Coast Main Line between London King's Cross and Edinburgh Waverley.

Lumo
Class 803 at Edinburgh Waverley
Overview
Franchise(s)Open-access operator
Not subject to franchising
25 October 2021 - 2031
Fleet size5 Class 803s
Stations called at5
Parent companyFirstGroup
Reporting markLD
Other
Websitewww.lumo.co.uk

History

In 2015, the Office of Rail and Road called for expressions of interest for open-access operators to bid for extra paths on the East Coast Main Line, allowing a new company to run services in addition to the existing franchise operator.

In May 2016, FirstGroup subsidiary East Coast Trains Limited was granted a ten-year track access agreement for five services in each direction from May 2021.[1][2][3] The launch was confirmed in September 2021 alongside adoption of the Lumo name, which is described by the company as a combination of luminosity (Lu) and motion (mo).[4]

On 18 April 2022, a driver travelling between Newcastle and Kings Cross in London hit the emergency brake near Peterborough, causing 15 minor injuries, although no one suffered serious injuries. Several passengers onboard the service described the train “tilting” and luggage falling off the designated racks.[5] The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) were informed. All passengers were entitled to a full refund as a result of the disruption caused by the stop, and police met with passengers at Kings Cross upon the arrival of the service, along with medical assistance.

Services
Lumo
 Edinburgh Waverley (St Andrew Square )
 Morpeth
 Newcastle
Stevenage
 London King's Cross

Services commenced on 25 October 2021 with two trains per day in each direction (one on Saturdays), which is due to increase to five each way by early 2022.[6] The initial timetable sees trains depart each terminus at off-peak times. Northbound trains travel non-stop between London and Newcastle, with most then calling at Morpeth before arriving in Edinburgh. All southbound journeys stop at Morpeth and Newcastle with some additionally calling at Stevenage. The fastest service will complete the journey in 4:03, although most will take a little over 4:30.[7]

Operations

Lumo offers a single-class service, with free Wi-Fi connectivity for all passengers and a promise that 60% of fares will be offered for no more than £30.[8] Catering consists of an at-seat trolley service, and additionally food and drink items from brands such as Marks & Spencer are available for pre-order by passengers for delivery on board.[9] Media content such as films and television shows can be streamed by passengers using the company's mobile app.[10]

Rolling stock

Services are operated by a fleet of 125 mph (200 km/h) Class 803 electric multiple unit trains, ordered in March 2019. While based on the same Hitachi AT300 design as the Class 801 Azuma trains operated by LNER, they are not fitted with an auxiliary diesel engine, but instead feature batteries intended solely to power onboard facilities in case of overhead line equipment failure.[11]

 Family   Class  Image  Type   Top speed   Number   Carriages   Route   Built 
mph km/h
Hitachi AT300 803 EMU 125 200 5 5 Edinburgh Waverley – London King's Cross 2020–2021

    References
    1. Applications for the East Coast Main Line Office of Rail & Road 12 May 2016
    2. First Group to run Edinburgh to London budget rail service BBC News 12 May 2016
    3. VTEC and FirstGroup granted East Coast Main Line paths Railway Gazette International 12 May 2016
    4. "Our Philosophy". www.lumo.co.uk. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
    5. "Lumo train passengers' panic after emergency stop". BBC News. 17 April 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2022.
    6. What are Lumo trains and how can I buy tickets? Sunday Times 23 October 2021
    7. "Our Timetable". www.lumo.co.uk. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
    8. "Reimagining Rail". www.lumo.co.uk. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
    9. "LumoEats". lumo.co.uk. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
    10. "LumoGo WiFi". lumo.co.uk. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
    11. Clinnick, Richard (22 March 2019). "First orders AT300s for ECML open access operation". Rail.

    Media related to Lumo at Wikimedia Commons

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