Lumo’s new fully electric train service launches today, running from London to Edinburgh. The first journey began at 10:45am Thursday from King’s Cross station and runs all the way to Scotland’s capital, all for £20 or less.
The new brand, owned by FirstGroup, will initially run four daily operations but this will increase to 10 early next year. The train will pass through Stevenage and Newcastle among other stations before arriving at its destination.
Lumo’s website describes its philosophy as “a commitment to our customers individual wellbeing combining all elements of physical, spiritual, corporal, emotional and social being to ensure that any journey with us leaves you positively ready.”
The new service is being offered at £19.90 for the launch, much lower than what frequent rail travellers are used to.
Research by Rail Delivery Group has found that UK domestic flights result in carbon emissions six times higher than using the train, but tickets are currently 50% cheaper than train travel. Providing a cheaper alternative could reduce flights and emission as a result.
Unfortunately, due to the popularity of the new service, customers have already struggled to book future trains tickets at a low price. Andrew Hebden commented on Twitter that he was quoted £59 for his travel which was more expensive than LNER.
Similarly, Paul Summerside found no evidence of the £18 ticket from Edinburgh to Newcastle.
@LumoTravel Very excited about your new service – best of luck with it. However I keep reading that your maximum ticket price is £19 until December so why am I being quoted £59 to travel next week (which is more expensive than LNER at a similar time)? Thanks pic.twitter.com/x7vTUo6sIW
— Andrew Hebden (@andrewhebden) October 21, 2021
18th December.
Outbound around 10am flexible
Return same day around 7pm flexible.
Looked at Transpenine, Lumo, Lner, Cross Country.
LNER was £50 cheaper.
No evidence at all of a £18 ticket to Edinburgh from Newcastle.— Paul Summerside (@summerside49) October 21, 2021
In response, Helen Wylde, Managing Director for Lumo said: “Tickets are selling well beyond expectations, and we have had great feedback about our commitment to offering a different kind of rail company. However, rest assured we are not complacent and understand we must earn travellers’ trust in the Lumo promise.”
