Low-cost rail operator announces 50% growth between Morpeth and London over past two years
by Daniel Hall · ChronicleLiveA low-cost rail operator has reported a 50% increase in journeys between Morpeth and London over the last two years.
Lumo, which launched its first trains in October 2021, runs services between London Kings Cross and Edinburgh with stops at Newcastle Central Station and Morpeth. And it is claimed that the increased competition has contributed to growth across all operators on the East Coast Main Line, whilst bringing more tourism and investment to Morpeth.
The budget operator believes the surge in demand is due to an "incredibly strong" tourism offer in Morpeth and its surroundings, and an increasing focus on sustainability by both business and leisure customers. More than three million passengers have travelled on the Newcastle-headquartered operator's network since its launch.
It is also a partner for Destination North East England's Regenerative tourism plan, which aims to make destinations more accessible, inclusive and sustainable - as tourism bosses attempt to double the value of the region's visitor economy to £10bn over the next decade. Ian Thomas, of Destination North East England, said: "Working with partners like Lumo and their sustainable service which connects Newcastle, Morpeth and the wider region with the rest of the UK is a key part of that regenerative growth ambition, offering visitors an affordable, accessible and sustainable trip to the North East."
Morpeth councillor Richard Wearmouth, deputy leader at Northumberland County Council, described Lumo's Morpeth services as thriving. He said: "My only hope is that they get to run more and more trains on the East Coast Main Line in the years to come, they are such an asset for our town."
Dennis Fancett, chair of local pro-rail campaign group SENRUG, says that before Lumo, there was an under-exploited market for trains between Morpeth and the English and Scottish capitals. He said: "Today’s announcement is good news for people and businesses in the Morpeth area who get a wider choice of rail services both north and south, and good news for SENRUG as it confirms our campaign objectives are realistic, commercially viable, and worth pursuing."
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