Hull Trains

First Rail's Game-Changing Report: New Routes and Big Investments for UK Trains

First Rail, the parent company of Hull Trains and Lumo, has released a new report highlighting the promising future of open access train operators in the UK. The report emphasises the crucial role these innovative companies play in enhancing the railway system.

The report reviews the successful 25-year history of open access, showcasing how operators like Hull Trains and Lumo have driven economic growth, created jobs, and increased passenger numbers across the network.

It also outlines numerous potential new routes for open access services in the coming years. Confirmed new routes include connections between London and South Wales to Carmarthen, and to Stirling in Scotland. Additionally, there are proposed routes awaiting approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), such as those between London and Torbay, Rochdale via Manchester Victoria, and Sheffield via Worksop.

The data clearly demonstrates that open access rail services, alongside nationally-contracted operators, boost overall passenger numbers. For instance, since Lumo's launch in 2021, it has contributed to 6.2 million additional journeys on the East Coast Mainline, with 3.9 million of those being on Lumo trains. An example is the early morning service to Newcastle, which allows passengers to arrive by 8:45 am.

The report also examines the success of open access operations in over ten European countries. For example, Italo operates high-speed services in Italy alongside public sector operators between major cities.

First Rail’s report presents four recommendations for how the rail industry and government can collaborate to expand both open access and the broader railway network. The primary recommendation is to maintain an independent regulator to support railway access, economics, and performance. It also calls for the acceleration of open access bids to meet market demand, deliver environmental benefits, and unlock investment.

Lumo Train

Steve Montgomery, Managing Director First Rail, said: “Open access has a strong and successful history over the past 25 years, delivering millions of reliable and affordable passenger journeys, offering choice and competition, investing in new rolling stock and supporting the running costs of the rail network.

“Data demonstrates open access grows the railway overall. By offering competitive fares at alternative times and stopping at under-served destinations, open access inspires more people to use trains rather than cars and planes.

“Since Lumo launched in 2021, an increase of more than six million more passenger journeys has taken place on the East Coast Mainline than when it was operated by LNER alone.

“As the Government delivers its rail policy over the coming years, I am proud First Rail is making the case for open access, investment and innovation on the British rail network.”

The publication comes weeks after Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander visited the Hitachi Rail factory in Newton Aycliffe to mark an agreement for a c.£500m investment in new trains for Lumo and Hull Trains, helping to secure the skills base and jobs in the local area.

If approval is gained for further open access routes, including to destinations such as Rochdale, Sheffield and Torbay, by November 2025, then up to a further £460m could be unlocked in more new Hitachi trains from the Newton Aycliffe factory.

Image credit: First Group

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