Low-cost electric train operator Lumo is looking at plans to launch even more services between Newcastle and London. The company is hoping to up its capacity by 15 percent by introducing a brand-new early morning service and an evening return journey between the two cities.
The proposals have been put forward as part of a wider timetable review along the East Coast Main Line, on which Lumo currently runs five services a day between London, Newcastle and Edinburgh. Lumo is now waiting for final tweeks from Network Rail before an application is submitted for approval from the Office of Rail and Road.
If the plans materialise, they will see Lumo carrying up to and extra 277,000 passengers between the cities each year. The new services could start as early as December 2024, hopefully easing the pressure on other daily services and encouraging more people to choose trains over planes.
Martijn Gilbert, Lumo’s managing director, said: ‘Looking at this option to expand our services will deliver more great value and sustainable journeys to our customers, as well as even faster journey times across some of the rest of our timetable.
‘We have played a significant part in encouraging more people to travel by train between some of the UK’s largest cities, bringing substantial environmental benefits while boosting the economy.’
Need a little more incentive to choose trains over a drive or flight? Say no more. The Great British Rail Sale launches tomorrow January 23) offering up to half price on ticket fares, these two cities are getting a direct train service for the first time in 20 years and there’s talk of a speedier service from London to Sheffield landing next year. There’s also all of these stunning scenic train journeys worth the money for the views alone.
Did you see that Britain’s cheapest train ticket has been revealed - and it only costs 70p?
Plus: the Royal Shakespeare Company is selling loads of cheap tickets right now.
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