Lumo & Hull Trains: Breaking Barriers in Rail for a Better Future
Lumo and Hull Trains, in partnership with The Purpose Coalition, launch the "Breaking Down Barriers in Rail" Impact Report.
The report showcases how these pioneering rail operators are driving social mobility, economic growth, and championing environmental sustainability through their innovative services. By offering affordable, sustainable travel, Lumo and Hull Trains are making a positive impact on communities across the country.
As open-access rail operators, Lumo and Hull Trains are transforming rail travel. Lumo's all-electric fleet provides an eco-friendly link between London and Edinburgh, while Hull Trains connects Hull, the East Riding of Yorkshire, and further locations along the East Coast Main Line with London with essential long-distance services. Both are committed to making travel accessible and affordable while boosting regional connectivity and investing in local communities along the East Coast routes.
The Purpose Coalition, a network of businesses, public sector organisations, and universities, is dedicated to advancing social mobility and tackling inequality. By working together with partners like Lumo and Hull Trains, the Coalition aims to break down barriers to opportunity and create real change for communities across the UK.
The report highlights the social and economic contributions of Lumo and Hull Trains through the lens of the Purpose Goals, a framework that addresses 15 key barriers to opportunity in the UK. Key achievements include making travel more affordable for underserved communities, investing in apprenticeships and career development, supporting sustainability efforts, and prioritising culture, diversity and inclusion.
The reception in the UK Parliament at Westminster brought together parliamentarians, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to explore how open-access rail can continue to drive progress.
Key Highlights:
Improving connectivity
Affordable travel for underserved communities
Investment in apprenticeships and career development
Adoption of green technologies to support the UK's environmental goals
Quotes:
Rt Hon Justine Greening, Chair of The Purpose Coalition, said:
“Transport is a vital enabler of opportunity, and Lumo and Hull Trains are leading the way in breaking down barriers. From connecting commuters to jobs to providing affordable travel for education and healthcare, these operators are making a real difference. Their commitment to social mobility and sustainability is a model for purposeful leadership.”
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo and Hull Trains, said:
“At Lumo and Hull Trains, we believe in the power of rail travel to empower communities by making journeys more accessible and affordable. This report reflects our commitment to breaking down barriers, not only through transport innovation but also by investing in partnerships, job creation, and environmental progress. We’re building bridges to a fairer, greener future.”
Rachel Taylor, Member of Parliament for North Warwickshire & Bedworth and Chair of The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Freight and Logistics said:
“I’ve seen how poor public transport acts as a barrier to economic growth and opportunity in small towns and rural areas like the ones I represent in North Warwickshire and Bedworth. Tackling those challenges is essential if we are going to deliver change for those communities, so I welcome the work highlighted in this report that shows what can be achieved by those committed to delivering that change.”
Nick Forbes CBE, Chair of The Purpose Coalition’s Breaking Down Barriers Commission, added:
“As a former leader of Newcastle City Council, I’ve seen how essential transport is for regional growth and social inclusion. Lumo and Hull Trains offer affordable, sustainable rail options that open up opportunities for people in underserved regions, proving that rail can be a powerful driver of social and economic progress.”
