FirstGroup’s pioneering open access rail operators Lumo and Hull Trains have published new analysis highlighting the positive effects of open access operations for customers, the rail industry and wider UK economic growth.
Open access operators like Lumo and Hull Trains do not receive any government funding, with all their revenue self-driven. They typically operate in under-served places, with loyalty to their communities and customers.
The two new studies were published as the Government sets out its consultation on the formation of Great British Railways and its goal of ensuing the railway sector supports the overarching Government mission of securing economic growth. Both of the new studies are online to read in full here.
FirstGroup has recently led the argument on how open access supports a growing railway and last year committed to around £500m for 14 new British-built trains from Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe factory to run on open access routes from late 2027. Another £460m could be invested in 13 more trains if additional open access routes are approved.
The first new study on open access, “The Impact of Open Access Operators on Industry Revenue and Journeys”, was compiled by specialist consultants Winder Phillips. It assesses the success of open access operations on the increased number of journeys and the amount of additional revenue they have generated. Operators like Lumo and Hull Trains are independently regulated by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to ensure they do not impact other major operators on a route.
The new study focuses specifically on Lumo and Hull Trains operations, but also considers the positive effects of the Grand Central service to Sunderland, using publicly available industry data. Faster rail journey times, direct journey opportunities, increased service frequency and fare competition are all mentioned as key benefits – all of which support economic growth in regions along the route.
The analysis found Lumo has helped to generate more than six million new rail journeys, encouraging people to switch from air travel to rail. For Hull Trains, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, revenue on journeys from London to Selby, Howden, Brough and Hull increased by nearly 300% in its first ten years, generating approximately £30m in revenue for the railway. More recently, Hull Trains has seen passenger journey growth of 42% since 2018/19, 25% more than any other UK rail operator.
The second report, compiled by engineering consultants Arup titled “Open Access Operations Paying Their Way”, details the contributions made to the UK rail sector through the payment of industry charges. Open access trains do not pay the same charges as those contracts managed by the Department for Transport, but have a different charging regime in place. Data shows that in 2025/26, Lumo will pay around 10% more than LNER per train mile and around 35% more than Avanti West Coast.
It also considers how open access operators are connecting communities, increasing job opportunities and reducing carbon emissions, driving even more economic growth.
Martijn Gilbert, managing director of FirstGroup’s open access operations, said: “These studies clearly demonstrate how open access operators are paying their way, generating passenger journeys and revenue. They do it while supporting economic growth for the UK as a whole and the regions they serve.
“We have a proven track record of finding and reliably operating in gaps in existing timetables, efficiently using spare capacity in the network between services including peak time commuter and freight trains, and which doesn’t increase the fixed costs of the railway or place any additional burden on taxpayers.
“As the Railways Bill Consultation is issued, it is important that this well-loved part of the railway can continue to operate and grow alongside Great British Railways. With our applications to expand, Lumo and Hull Trains are able to deliver further economic growth quickly, playing an important part in a successful railway for the benefit of all rail users and the communities we serve.”