Train operator Lumo hosted an event in its hometown of Newcastle today (26 February) to highlight the local economic and sustainability benefits it has generated since launching its all-electric service.
Opened by Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Veronica Dunn, and with many North East business and political leaders in attendance, the event explored the detail of Lumo’s industry-first report, outlining the positive impact of Britain’s newest train operator.
It was shared that 60.6 kilotons of CO2 were saved last year by customers travelling on the East Coast Mainline operator’s trains – the equivalent of taking 13,475 petrol-powered cars off the road for a year. It was also revealed that Lumo is projected to deliver between £470 – £740 million economic benefits over the next ten years through its faster journeys, fare savings for customers and industry employment. The data was published by specialist consultancy Arup.
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo, said: “It is always wonderful to continue our great conversations with the North East community; it’s exciting to be able to discuss the achievements of our Newcastle business on Lumo’s home turf. Our goal is to provide a rail service that supports growth and tourism in the North East that is both green and cost-effective – and it is brilliant to be able to demonstrate exactly how we’re achieving that.
“Our open access model means that we use existing capacity in the rail timetable to boost UK travel at no extra cost to the taxpayer, and we hope that today has given everyone a flavour of what our innovative operation is capable of achieving.”