Morpeth on track for rail boom with Lumo

Rail operator Lumo has reported a 50 per cent growth in customer journeys between Morpeth and London, crediting the rise to a combination of low-cost fares, eco-friendly travel options and a renewed interest in Northumberland’s tourism and business potential.

In just three years, Lumo has transported more than three million passengers across its East Coast Main Line routes, offering an alternative to driving or flying between London, Newcastle, and Edinburgh with services that are up to 25 times greener than air travel.

Martijn Gilbert, managing director at Lumo, said: “Lumo’s offer of affordable, green travel connecting Morpeth with Edinburgh, Newcastle and London is proving incredibly popular.

“Our one hundred percent electric trains are helping make journeys even cleaner and combined with our industry-leading customer satisfaction scores, we’re proud to be seeing such incredible growth for Northumberland.”

As a key partner for Destination North East England's Regenerative Tourism initiative, Lumo supports sustainable and accessible travel in the region.

Andrew Stokes, director of VisitEngland, added: “We are very pleased to support the North East Destination Development Partnership to drive visitor economy growth in the region and with an increase in accessible rail services such as this it’s no surprise that more visitors are discovering Morpeth and beyond.

“Travelling by rail opens-up iconic locations, as well as less explored destinations in a relaxing and environmentally friendly way, broadening travel itineraries, encouraging visitors to discover more and stay longer, boosting the economy.”

Ian Thomas, chief operating officer at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, the lead delivery agency for Destination North East England, added: “It's fantastic to see so many people choosing to visit the region and explore our unrivalled countryside, coasts, towns and cities, whilst making sustainable travel choices aboard Lumo's fleet of all-electric trains.

“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’s emergence as a travel and business hub is further reflected in local business data showing more than 1500 new companies established in Northumberland in 2023, driving demand in hospitality, retail and services.

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, a councillor in Morpeth and deputy leader at Northumberland County Council, added: “Lumo provide an amazing service for Morpeth and the North East. Punctual, fast, cost effective, with train crew who are engaging and always happy to help. It is no wonder their service is thriving.

“My only hope is that they get to run more and more trains on the East Coast Main Line in the years to come."

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