Lumo reveals first refurbished West Coast train

Low cost operator Lumo has revealed the first refurbished train that will serve the new West Coast service route, when it launches this spring.

The refurbished 222 trains will be calling at London Euston, Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds, Larbert and Stirling.

The trains are being refurbished at Alstom’s Widnes modernisation facility, in partnership with Beacon.

Lumo operates a single class of standard seating and is set to offer Lumo’s trademark customer service, community connections and affordable fares.

Tickets for the phased introduction of services are now on sale for travel dates from 9th June and customers can get the best prices when booking directly, with fares including: London to Stirling starting from £29.90, London to Preston starting from £23.90 and Preston to Stirling starting from £14.90.

Stuart Jones, managing director of First Rail Open Access, said: “This is a real milestone as we prepare to launch our new West Coast service this spring.

"The refurbished trains are certainly eye-catching with our signature Lumo blue.

"I’m also proud of the updated interiors that are ready to provide the comfortable service that we’re renowned for.

“This is a project centred upon collaboration and I’d like to thank Alstom and Beacon for their continued hard work as we prepare to better connect communities on the West Coast.”

Adam Cunliffe, chief executive officer of Beacon, said: “Beacon is delighted to partner with FirstGroup and Alstom on the upgrade of the Lumo Class 222 fleet.

"Beacon is proud to continually invest in its fleets, and the Class 222 refurbishment will give passengers on the new Lumo West Coast service a refreshed, comfortable interior together with enhanced wi‑fi for improved connectivity.

"Beacon looks forward to supporting Lumo and Alstom to deliver an additional five refurbished trains and for them to commence passenger service.”

Lumo is renowned for being one of the UK’s top performing rail operators, with impressive customer satisfaction scores and reliability. The operator also serves the East Coast Main Line, linking Scotland with the North East of England and London.

Last month Lancashire Business View reported Lumo opened a new rail base in Preston creating around 100 jobs as operator was preparing to launch direct Scotland-London trains.

Lumo partnered with the colourful Preston Caribbean Carnival for an eye-catching procession from Preston Railway Station to the new headquarters on Fox Street.

Around 50 VIP guests were given an exclusive insight into the new operation with Sir Mark Hendrick MP, Member of Parliament for Preston, officially opening the base.