Launch of new rail service that stops at Morpeth

Lumo has launched with the aim of “reimagining rail travel”, with the FirstGroup company pledging to offer more affordable tickets in a bid to offer an alternative to cheap flights.

The service travelled the route for the first time today (Thursday) and passenger services, four a day, will begin on Monday. The other stations it will stop at are Newcastle and Stevenage.

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.”

The inaugural service also marked a significant feat of manufacturing as the new state-of-the-art Hitachi AT300 intercity electric trains for the Lumo fleet were constructed during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, while observing appropriate safeguards.

The full London to Scotland route on the East Coast mainline is currently served only by the existing state-owned operator London North Eastern Railway (LNER).

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.”