Latest news with #MartijnGilbert
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Gamechanger new budget train line to launch from London next year
A NEW direct train service between a central Scottish city and London is due to launch as early as spring 2026. Lumo, which is part of FirstGroup, will run four return services a day to Stirling in Scotland, with the exception of Sundays, where there will be three. 3 3 The route will provide first-ever direct services to London for Whifflet, Greenfaulds, and Larbert. Currently, the Lumo brand runs on the East Coast Main Line between London King's Cross and Edinburgh. The new West Coast services were due to start this year, however FirstGroup said they are "currently expected to commence mid-2026 following the delivery of the trains and staff training". Lumo's new route will link London Euston directly to Stirling, also calling at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet (serving Coatbridge), Greenfaulds (serving Cumbernauld) and Larbert. The train company is currently awaiting approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to further extend services to Glasgow. Martijn Gilbert, managing director of Lumo, said: "Our new service between Stirling and London has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for communities along the route, and we're proud to deliver this direct rail connectivity to towns previously overlooked by traditional rail services. "We are focused on further expanding our services in Scotland to ensure even greater connectivity across the country and the whole UK." Sue Webber MSP, Conservative transport spokesperson, said: "Lumo is actively investing in our capital city – not only bringing in tourists but also supporting our vibrant hospitality and events sector. "And this isn't just talk: we're looking at £740 million in economic benefits from Lumo by 2032." According to the BBC, there are currently only two daily trains to London that stop at Stirling - the Highland Chieftain from Inverness and the Caledonian Sleeper. The new service, once launched, will also compete with Avanti West Coast and publicly-owned ScotRail, LNER and TransPennine Express. Last year, Lumo also announced plans for a cheap train route from London to the North West. A proposed new train service would offer journeys between London and Rochdale, with stops at Manchester. If plans are approved, it would be the first time that a direct train has connected Rochdale to London for more than 25 years. What are Lumo trains like? LUMO trains are fully-electric trains which were introduced back in 2021. At the time of launch, passengers could travel from London to Edinburgh for just £19.90. The company claimed they provided "fares that are fair". The trains do not have a first class option, but they do have USB sockets, tray tables and comfortable seating. Passengers can also personalise their lighting via a button on the back of the seat in front of them. An application has been submitted to the Office of Rail and Road and if approved, the new services could take to the rails in 2027. Also announced last year, Lumo's train service joining Edinburgh and London is expected to be quicker than taking a flight. Also, the UK's largest train station once had direct routes to Europe and now has a huge new Wetherspoons. Plus, the first ever direct trains from London to Switzerland move even closer to launching.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Gamechanger new budget train line to launch from London next year
Plus, the first ever direct trains from London to Switzerland move even closer to launching TRACK ON Gamechanger new budget train line to launch from London next year A NEW direct train service between a central Scottish city and London is due to launch as early as spring 2026. Lumo, which is part of FirstGroup, will run four return services a day to Stirling in Scotland, with the exception of Sundays, where there will be three. Advertisement 3 Lumo plans to launch a train service from Stirling to London Credit: Alamy 3 Lumo trains are all-electric Credit: Alamy The route will provide first-ever direct services to London for Whifflet, Greenfaulds, and Larbert. Currently, the Lumo brand runs on the East Coast Main Line between London King's Cross and Edinburgh. The new West Coast services were due to start this year, however FirstGroup said they are "currently expected to commence mid-2026 following the delivery of the trains and staff training". Lumo's new route will link London Euston directly to Stirling, also calling at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet (serving Coatbridge), Greenfaulds (serving Cumbernauld) and Larbert. Advertisement The train company is currently awaiting approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to further extend services to Glasgow. Martijn Gilbert, managing director of Lumo, said: "Our new service between Stirling and London has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for communities along the route, and we're proud to deliver this direct rail connectivity to towns previously overlooked by traditional rail services. "We are focused on further expanding our services in Scotland to ensure even greater connectivity across the country and the whole UK." Sue Webber MSP, Conservative transport spokesperson, said: "Lumo is actively investing in our capital city – not only bringing in tourists but also supporting our vibrant hospitality and events sector. Advertisement "And this isn't just talk: we're looking at £740 million in economic benefits from Lumo by 2032." According to the BBC, there are currently only two daily trains to London that stop at Stirling - the Highland Chieftain from Inverness and the Caledonian Sleeper. Iconic steam train Tornado delights crowds as it powers through Cornwall on rail tour The new service, once launched, will also compete with Avanti West Coast and publicly-owned ScotRail, LNER and TransPennine Express. Last year, Lumo also announced plans for a cheap train route from London to the North West. Advertisement A proposed new train service would offer journeys between London and Rochdale, with stops at Manchester. If plans are approved, it would be the first time that a direct train has connected Rochdale to London for more than 25 years. What are Lumo trains like? LUMO trains are fully-electric trains which were introduced back in 2021. At the time of launch, passengers could travel from London to Edinburgh for just £19.90. The company claimed they provided "fares that are fair". The trains do not have a first class option, but they do have USB sockets, tray tables and comfortable seating. Passengers can also personalise their lighting via a button on the back of the seat in front of them. An application has been submitted to the Office of Rail and Road and if approved, the new services could take to the rails in 2027. Also announced last year, Lumo's train service joining Edinburgh and London is expected to be quicker than taking a flight. Advertisement Also, the UK's largest train station once had direct routes to Europe and now has a huge new Wetherspoons. Plus, the first ever direct trains from London to Switzerland move even closer to launching.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Gamechanger new budget train line to launch from London next year
A NEW direct train service between a central Scottish city and London is due to launch as early as spring 2026. Lumo, which is part of FirstGroup, will run four return services a day to Stirling in Scotland, with the exception of Sundays, where there will be three. Advertisement 3 Lumo plans to launch a train service from Stirling to London Credit: Alamy 3 Lumo trains are all-electric Credit: Alamy The route will provide first-ever direct services to London for Whifflet, Greenfaulds, and Larbert. Currently, the Lumo brand runs on the East Coast Main Line between London King's Cross and Edinburgh. The new West Coast services were due to start this year, however FirstGroup said they are "currently expected to commence mid-2026 following the delivery of the trains and staff training". Lumo's new route will link London Euston directly to Stirling, also calling at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell , Whifflet (serving Coatbridge), Greenfaulds (serving Cumbernauld) and Larbert. Advertisement Read more on train journeys The train company is currently awaiting approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to further extend services to Glasgow. Martijn Gilbert, managing director of Lumo, said: "Our new service between Stirling and London has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for communities along the route, and we're proud to deliver this direct rail connectivity to towns previously overlooked by traditional rail services. "We are focused on further expanding our services in Scotland to ensure even greater connectivity across the country and the whole UK." Sue Webber MSP, Conservative transport spokesperson, said: "Lumo is actively investing in our capital city – not only bringing in tourists but also supporting our vibrant hospitality and events sector. Advertisement Most read in News Travel "And this isn't just talk: we're looking at £740 million in economic benefits from Lumo by 2032." According to the Iconic steam train Tornado delights crowds as it powers through Cornwall on rail tour The new service, once launched, will also compete with Avanti West Coast and publicly-owned ScotRail, LNER and TransPennine Express. Last year, Lumo also announced plans for a Advertisement A proposed new train service would offer journeys between London and Rochdale, with stops at Manchester. If plans are approved, it would be the first time that a direct train has connected Rochdale to London for more than 25 years. What are Lumo trains like? LUMO trains are fully-electric trains which were introduced back in 2021. At the time of launch, passengers could travel from London to Edinburgh for just £19.90. The company claimed they provided "fares that are fair". The trains do not have a first class option, but they do have USB sockets, tray tables and comfortable seating. Passengers can also personalise their lighting via a button on the back of the seat in front of them. An application has been submitted to the Office of Rail and Road and if approved, the new services could take to the rails in 2027. Also announced last year, Lumo's train service joining Advertisement Also, the Plus, the 3 The new route could launch as early as spring 2026 Credit: Alamy
Scotsman
02-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Cut-price train operator to launch Stirling-London service next year
Regulators approve five Lumo services a day, linking Scottish stations with English capital for the first time Sign up for the latest news and analysis about Scottish transport Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Cut-price train operator Lumo is to launch new Stirling-London services next year, providing three Scottish settlements with their first direct link to the English capital. The company announced on Monday it will run five services a day from the spring after its plans were approved by rail regulators. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad They will operate via North Lanarkshire and the west coast main line, using second-hand diesel trains until new electric ones are delivered. The trains Lumo plans to use on the new service | Lumo Lumo has run London-Edinburgh services with brand new electric trains on the east coast line since 2021, which it hopes to win approval to extend to Glasgow. It said the new Stirling service would give Larbert, Greenfaulds, near Cumbernauld, and Whifflet, near Coatbridge, their first London link. Passengers will travel in five class 222 six-carriage trains which will also call at Motherwell, Lockerbie, Carlisle, Preston, Crewe, Nuneaton, Milton Keynes and London Euston. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The service was originally planned by new operator Grand Union, which had hoped to launch four trains a day on the route this year. Lumo's parent company, FirstGroup, bought the firm in is an "open access" operator which does not receive government funding, unlike east coast rivals LNER, which runs far more trains which also stop at many more stations. The new service will see it compete for passengers on the English section of the west coast line with sister firm Avanti West Coast, which is also owned by FirstGroup. Open access operators are concerned about their future under the Labour UK Government, which is nationalising English train firms, but the Conservatives said such operators should be "championed". Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Affordable, fast and convenient' Lumo managing director Martijn Gilbert said: 'Today's announcement underscores Lumo's commitment to growing Scotland's rail network, providing passengers with more affordable, fast, and convenient travel options. "Our new service between Stirling and London has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for communities along the route, and we're proud to deliver this direct rail connectivity to towns previously overlooked by traditional rail services. "We are focused on further expanding our services in Scotland to ensure even greater connectivity across the country and the whole UK.' Scottish Conservatives transport spokesperson Sue Webber said: 'Lumo is actively investing in our capital city, not only bringing in tourists but also supporting our vibrant hospitality and events sector. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "We're looking at £740 million in economic benefits from Lumo by 2032. "Crucially, this is being delivered not by government mandate, but through private sector innovation and open access investment. "That's why I believe this model is one we should be championing.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How North East train passengers can get free tea and coffee next week
Commuters aboard Lumo trains are in for a heartwarming surprise this Monday, February 17, as the rail operator teams up with Newcastle's iconic tea maker, Ringtons, to serve complimentary hot beverages. This initiative, part of Random Acts of Kindness Day, is set to spread warmth and joy along the Edinburgh to London route. Passengers on all Lumo services will be treated to free Ringtons tea and coffee, a simple yet thoughtful gesture designed to brighten their journey. In addition to the complimentary drinks, customers will also have the opportunity to win exclusive prizes, including train tickets and special Ringtons treats, through Lumo and Ringtons' social media channels. Commuters across the country will be treated to FREE Ringtons tea and coffee on Lumo trains this Monday (FEB 17) as part of Random Acts of Kindness Day, with complimentary drinks served on all services by the train operator, which runs five times daily between Edinburgh and London (Image: NORTH NEWS) Random Acts of Kindness Day, an international event that has been running since 1995, encourages individuals and businesses alike to promote positivity, generosity, and compassion. Lumo's initiative aligns with its commitment to enhancing passenger experience while supporting regional businesses. Established in 1907, Ringtons has long been a beloved staple of North East England, renowned for its high-quality tea and dedication to tradition. The partnership between Lumo and Ringtons began when the train operator launched in 2021, with both brands sharing a common mission to offer customers high-quality, locally sourced products. By bringing together their expertise and commitment to excellence, Lumo and Ringtons are not just serving beverages—they are fostering a sense of community and kindness on the rails. Lumo handing out tea to customers (Image: NORTH NEWS) So, if you're traveling with Lumo this Monday, be sure to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, on the house, as a small reminder that kindness goes a long way. Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Lumo, said: "At Lumo, we believe that small moments can make a big difference and Random Acts of Kindness Day is a fantastic opportunity to give back to our customers. "We strive to create a welcoming and enjoyable travel experience, and this initiative allows us to spread a little extra joy along the way. "Ringtons has been a valued partner since the very beginning, sharing our commitment to quality and customer experience. We're thrilled to collaborate once again to bring a touch of warmth and generosity to our customer's journeys, making their time with us even more special." Lumo recently secured a 96 per cent customer satisfaction score through an independent survey, reinforcing its passion for the customer experience. Recommended reading: County Durham sub-contractor jailed for theft of £70k worth of machinery and tools One in hospital after HGV crashes into wall in Darlington with air ambulance called Drivers warned as traffic camera to be introduced at busy Durham junction Emma Shard, Brand and Communications Manager at Ringtons added: "Kindness, community, and tea are at the heart of Ringtons, no matter where you encounter us. "There's a real synergy between the wonderful team at Lumo and ours. Every day, we all go out and about, performing acts of kindness—stopping for a chat, and going above and beyond to ensure our communities are happy and well cared for. "Monday presents a lovely opportunity for us to share the joy of tea and coffee with Lumo. Like Martijn, we believe it's the little things that can make a big difference. After all, is there anything more heartwarming than someone making you that unexpected cup of tea?"
