This new train service is both budget- and environment-friendly!
FirstGroup‘s new train service Lumo has officially launched! Consisting of a fleet of five new Hitachi AT300 electric trains, it promises budget-friendly rail fares between London and Edinburgh in an effort to reduce air travel between the two capital cities. The service trains are cheaper and better for the environment, with one-way tickets starting at just £14.90, while 60% of all single fares will cost less than £30. The trains aim to transport over 1 million passengers per year on the East Coast Main Line, providing low-carbon, affordable long-distance travel for everyone.
And the cheap price doesn’t come at the cost of comfort, either. All trains offer ergonomically designed seats, adjustable tray tables, privacy wings, personal lighting, free Wi-Fi, paperless ticketing, and a new entertainment system. Plus, there’s no First Class seats — a single class promises the same quality service for all passengers.
The trains are set to run each day from King’s Cross to Edinburgh (and back again), stopping at Stevenage, Newcastle and Morpeth. Reduced services start on October 25, 2021, with a maximum of ten services per day expected to run by early 2022.
From 25 Oct until 1 Dec on their initial 10:45 departure from KGX & 16:12 from EDB, all fares will be £19.90 or less as long as booked by the day before. The Lumo website is https://t.co/8QzjCmdNcn
— The Man in Seat 61 (@seatsixtyone) September 7, 2021
Here’s a first look inside the new trains from its first pre-launch journey:
The @LumoTravel interiors are good; better than I expected. Only 2 tables of 4 per car, but many seats are staggered to face across aisle. Seats are comfortable. Btw these are custom-built, and different to ones on GWR & LNER. Decent legroom, illuminated extendable trays… pic.twitter.com/srsnBxcq7q
— Tim Dunn (@MrTimDunn) October 21, 2021
Helen Wylde, Managing Director for Lumo, said: “Travelling in the UK should not cost a fortune and it certainly shouldn’t be the planet that pays. Whatever your preferred mode of transport, we are likely to be more affordable and kinder to the planet. We believe everyone has the right to travel in style. We are empowering people to make green travel choices that are genuinely affordable without compromising on comfort.”