Open Access Rail: A Vital Part of UK Rail Reform
In the ongoing reform of Britain’s railways – with more lines moving into public ownership – one success story should not be overlooked: open access operators like Lumo and Hull Trains. These privately-run, non-subsidized services have delivered lower fares, improved service, and economic and environmental benefits. Their achievements show that competition and innovation can thrive alongside public rail provision, benefiting passengers and communities.
Lumo’s entry in 2021 on the London–Edinburgh route dramatically lowered fares. Its tickets average around £40 – far below the incumbent operator’s prices – and over 2.5 million passengers have already chosen Lumo in its first two years. This extra choice has pushed all operators to improve. Hull Trains, for example, tops passenger satisfaction surveys with a 96% approval rating – reflecting its comfortable, reliable service. Open access competition delivers a better deal for rail customers.
Hull Trains offers a clear example of local benefits. Before it launched in 2000, Hull had only one daily train to London; now there are seven. Analysts estimate Hull Trains’ service has generated £185–£380 million in regional economic benefits since 2000, through quicker journeys, fare savings, and new opportunities. The operator’s local base also creates jobs – roughly £35–£70 million in wages paid to its workforce in Hull. Open access companies invest in new trains and innovation without taxpayer funding, which further boosts the economy. A £500 million order for new Lumo and Hull Trains rolling stock is safeguarding hundreds of manufacturing jobs at Hitachi’s County Durham factory. All these gains come at no cost or risk to the public purse.
Open access services are also helping drive progress toward environmental goals. By luring travellers off higher-carbon modes like cars and planes, these rail operators cut emissions. Lumo’s 100% electric trains allow a single passenger to make 22 London–Edinburgh trips for the same carbon footprint as one flight. Likewise, Hull Trains’ expanded schedule has drawn many drivers off the roads, reducing congestion and pollution in its region. In these ways, open access bolsters the UK’s Net Zero mission – showing that greener travel can go hand-in-hand with rail innovation.
There is growing public and political support for the open access model. Advocacy efforts have brought policymakers on board: MPs have toured Lumo and Hull Trains facilities to witness their success firsthand, and briefing papers plus case studies highlighting the benefits of open access are being shared with decision-makers. Polling indicates that voters appreciate the lower fares and improved connectivity these services provide. Cross-party consensus is emerging that open access operators should remain part of Britain’s rail future. Once-niche operators are now recognised as a vital component of a modern, customer-focused railway.
As rail reforms advance, it is crucial not to lose the benefits that open access brings. Lumo and Hull Trains have shown that entrepreneurial, community-focused rail services can flourish alongside publicly-run lines. Railway stakeholders – from government to industry leaders – should ensure open access operators are not just preserved but empowered to grow. Keeping this model on track will mean a more competitive, affordable, and sustainable railway for the UK.
